Johnsson looks likely to return versus Blues
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 centre Nazem Kadri and William Nylander at practice on Monday at Gila River Arena, a development that likely will push Tyler Ennis back to the sideline when the Leafs visit the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday to finish a six-game trip.
Johnsson did not play against Arizona on Saturday after he absorbed a leg-on-leg hit from Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb during the Leafs’ victory on Thursday.
Johnsson concurred it was a “good possibility” he will back against the Blues.
In the Blues, the Leafs will get a club that has been, to put it plainly, on fire. The Blues have won 10 games in a row and have shut out their opponent in each of their past three games.
Here are 5 Things to Watch for in Tuesday’s game at the Enterprise Center:
1. Bin there, done that
From a shutout in his first game, Jordan Binnington has a record 12-1-1. He had a 31-save shutout against the Wild on Sunday.
2. Trail 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.
3. End 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.
4. Here’s Bozie
Ex-Leaf Tyler Bozak, playing second-line centre in St. Louis, has four points in his past five games. But the forward the Leafs should be most wary of is Vladimir Tarasenko, who is riding a 12-game point streak.
5. Mississippi 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.