Johnsson no longer on the limp as Toronto caps roadie
GLENDALE, ARIZ. Andreas Johnsson’s absence from the Maple Leafs’ lineup appears to be capped at one game.
The winger skated on a line with Nazem Kadri and William Nylander at practice Monday, a development that likely will push Tyler Ennis back to the press box when the Leafs visit the St. Louis Blues Tuesday to finish a six-game trip.
Johnsson did not play against Arizona Saturday after he absorbed a leg-onleg hit from Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden Mcnabb Thursday during a Leafs victory.
Johnsson said it was a “good possibility” he will be back against the Blues after suffering a suspected charley horse.
“It’s not 100 per cent, but it’s much better,” Johnsson said.
The Leafs were shut out 2-0 by the Coyotes Saturday, but had been playing some fine hockey before that. In the Blues, the Leafs will get a club that has been on fire. The Blues have won 10 games in a row, including shutouts in their last three.
Goalie Jordan Binnington has won eight straight to pass Brent Johnson’s rookie record.
The Blues are rolling and a much different squad than the meek group that lost 4-1 to Toronto in November.
Here are five things to watch for in Tuesday’s game at the Enterprise Center:
1Bin there, done that Beginning with a shutout in his first game, Binnington has a record of 12-1-1. He had a 31-save shutout against the Wild on Sunday.
2Trail mix
If the Leafs can get a lead, they have an exemplary record of 28-0-0 after 40 minutes. That’s if they score first and hold it a bit. St. Louis, with 10 consecutive wins to match a 17-year-old club record, has not been behind since the third period against Florida on Feb. 5, eight games ago. In that stretch of 10 victories, the Blues have a goal differential of plus-26.
3End of the road
The Leafs have had two days off to get ready for the last of their six-game trip. A win would make it the most successful trip of its kind since a 3-3 split during a six-game trek in December 2000.
4Here’s Bozie
Ex-leaf Tyler Bozak, playing second-line centre in St. Louis, has four points in his last five games. But the forward the Leafs should be most wary of is Vladimir Tarasenko, who is riding a 12-game point streak. Ex-leaf Alex Steen took time off over the weekend with his pregnant wife close to delivery.
5Missouri Muzz
Former L.A. King Jake Muzzin, now patrolling the blue-line for the Leafs, has recorded 12 points in 18 games against St. Louis. That ranks third on the defender’s list of point totals against NHL teams.