Toronto Maple Leafs: Michael Hutchinson getting another chance
The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting Michael Hutchinson in the first game of a back-to-back to see if he can be the latest player to find success under Sheldon Keefe.
In a rare afternoon game, the Toronto Maple Leafs will look for another goalie not named Frederik Andersen to get them the win against the Buffalo Sabres.
Sheldon Keefe has decided to go against the conventional wisdom under Mike Babcock which was to play the backup goalie on the second night of the back-to-back. Instead, Hutchinson will start the game in Buffalo with Andersen getting the nod at home on Saturday night.
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This might not seem like a big deal to some but others see this as a breath of fresh air considering there have been situations in the past where the Leafs should have played Andersen on the second night.
With the Leafs sitting third in the Atlantic Division, this will be a crucial time to try and make up ground with the Florida Panthers sitting a point ahead of them. The Boston Bruins remain in the driver seat with 39 points in the standings and while it’s early to suggest that they are a lock to win the division, the Leafs might actually benefit if they do.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently out of a playoff spot but aren’t that far out and you wonder if they are the team the Leafs want to play in a potential round one matchup.
Of course, this is too far down the road to worry about right now, Hutchinson needs to show that he can step in when called upon. It should be noted that in the three games with the Toronto Marlies he had a .942 save percentage and a 1.95 GAA so maybe getting in a better situation will help him.
This will be a big deal whether the team wins or loses considering Hutchinson’s time with the Leafs appeared to be done when he was put on waivers, I’m sure he’s grateful to get another chance.
Next. Leafs re-establishing identity under Sheldon Keefe. dark
Do you think Hutchinson can get his game back on track? Should the team still look to bring in another backup goalie? Let us know in the comments below.