Toronto Maple Leafs: Hunwick Returns to Lineup, Rielly Progressing
Matt Hunwick draws back into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, while Morgan Rielly believes he can play through the pain without any issues.
After allowing a total of 16 goals these past three games, the Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping to tighten things up defensively when they take on the New York Islanders on Monday night.
Before the puck drops at the Barclays Center, here are few pregame notes regarding the Leafs.
Hunlak’s Back
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After sitting out the last two games as a healthy scratch, Matt Hunwick will return to the Maple Leafs’ lineup on Monday night. Martin Marincin, who has struggled the past few games, will sit out as a healthy scratch.
Aside from sitting out with a lower-body injury in late October, Hunwick has been a regular fixture in the Leafs’ lineup and the past two games were his only healthy scratches since he joined Toronto. The 31-year-old Warren, Michigan native will play with his usual partner on Monday, Roman Polak.
Rielly Making Progess
After sitting out Sunday’s practice to rest his ailing ankle, Morgan Rielly will play against the Islanders on Monday night and should see his usual ice time. Unfortunately, it sounds like Rielly’s ankle injury will linger for a while and it’s something he will have to play for the foreseeable future.
When addressing the media after morning skate, Rielly said he thinks he’ll able to manage his injury and was quick to point out that he’s not the only player who is banged up on the Leafs.
Marchenko Waits
Although he skated with new teammates on Sunday and Monday, Alexey Marchenko will have to get up to speed before being inserted into the Leafs’ lineup, but Babcock hopes to get him into a game soon.
“He’s a player that we have hopes for,” said Babcock, via Rob Longely of the Toronto Sun. “Just like when you come to any new team, you get a new chance. You’re excited. We’ll get him in when we get the opportunity.”
Marchenko will wear No. 3 for the Leafs, which is of course infamous because of Dion Phaneuf.
Next: What you Need to Know About Alexey Marchenko
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm and you can catch the game on TSN.