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 on Tuesday to finish a six-game trip.
Johnsson did not play against Arizona on Saturday after he absorbed a legon-leg 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.
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.
Here are five things to watch for Tuesday:
1Bin there, done that Beginning with a shutout in his first game, Jordan Binnington has a record of 12-11. He had a 31-save shutout Sunday against the Wild.
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
Jake Muzzin has recorded 12 points in 18 games against St. Louis. That ranks third on the defender’s list of point totals against NHL teams.
With files from Lance Hornby tkoshan@postmedia.com