Matthews’ teammates will need to step up versus Flames

Travis Dermott was back in blue and white on Sunday, looking decidedly less green.

The young defenceman resumed practising after a strength-sapping flu bug took him out of the homeand-home sweep of the Winnipeg Jets.

“A lot of bed time, a lot of bathroom time,” Dermott said ahead of Monday’s showdown against the Calgary Flames in Toronto. “I’m trying to get back in tip-top shape.” Coach Mike Babcock said the defender won’t play until at least Thursday’s game against Dallas. Meanwhile, now could be the time for Andreas Johnsson to shine. Those who watched the winger play a key role in the Toronto Marlies’ Calder Cup run last season, when he won the playoff MVP award, have waited to see the grit and goals he showed last season.

To date, he’s been in just six of Toronto’s 11 games, but returns against Calgary with Auston Matthews hurt.

“Through our talks (with Babcock) I don’t feel I’ve played my best,” Johnsson said. “Sometimes the puck doesn’t bounce with you and I feel at the beginning of this season it has bounced against me. I’ve been stiff on the puck instead of being confident with the moves I’m making. I’m doing weird stuff I don’t usually do.” Looking at Monday’s game, the two Johnny Hockeys will no doubt be hoping for productive evenings. John Tavares will have more of the spotlight with Matthews sidelined, while Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary ’s top scorer, looks to add to the two assists he tallied Saturday after a two-game dry spell.