Maple Leafs unveil new look lineup without Auston Matthews

"Dakota Joshua will draw back into the lineup after sitting as a healthy scratch in the last game. It is looking as if Joshua will slide onto the third line alongside Bo Groulx and Nicholas Robertson. The Maple Leafs have seen success when pairing Joshua with Robertson. This was a line before Joshua had to take time off due to a kidney injury that pushed the play and acted like a spark plug for the then-desperate Maple Leafs team."

"John Tavares will join William Nylander and Matias Maccelli on the first line, as Maccelli continues his strong play as of late. This will give the Maple Leafs' forward core a completely different look. Against the Ducks, Nylander was the only player of the three on the first line, as Easton Cowan will now shift down to the second line alongside Max Domi at centre and Matthew Knies on the other wing."

"Joseph Woll will remain behind the pipes for the third consecutive game as the Maple Leafs gear up for Saturday. Woll's 36-save performance on Thursday led the Maple Leafs to their first win since returning from the Olympic break."

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday without Auston Matthews, who suffered a season-ending injury against Anaheim. Dakota Joshua returns from a healthy scratch to the third line with Bo Groulx and Nicholas Robertson, a pairing that previously generated offensive momentum. John Tavares joins William Nylander and Matias Maccelli on the first line, while Easton Cowan shifts to the second line with Max Domi and Matthew Knies. The fourth line remains unchanged with Jacob Quillan, Michael Pezzetta, and Calle Jarnkrok. Joseph Woll continues as goaltender after recording 36 saves in the previous victory.

Read at Editor In Leaf