Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz will play Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Craig Berube confirmed. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are also expected to return Saturday,
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube had a bit of a chuckle on Thursday when he was asked whether he would consider giving captain Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner a rest for Toronto’s first game, on Saturday at home against the Carolina Hurricanes, following the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have already suffered another injury loss in just the second practice back from an extended break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Mitch Marner came through for Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger produced two primary assists against Team USA, including setting up the overtime winner by Connor McDavid.
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have lost all six winner-take-all games they've played in the Stanley Cup playoffs. One of the Leafs superstars will experience what it's like to come out on top in that environment on Thursday night in Boston as Matthews leads the United States into the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game against Marner's Canada.
Max Pacioretty is going to use the NHL break for the 4 Nations Face-Off to coach his kids. Ryan Reaves is going to Mexico to get some sun. Steve Lorentz will play in a pond hockey tournament. Bobby McMann will go “somewhere warm.”