The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a big boost to their lineup Thursday night when they face the Stanley Cup-favourite Predators in Nashville. Top forward Auston Matthews and top-four defenceman Nikita Zaitsev will return to game action, ending lengthy layoffs with shoulder and illness issues, respectively. Both players confirmed their returns to the lineup at the Leafs’ optional skate Thursday morning at Bridgestone Arena. Matthews’ shoulder injury forced him to the sidelines for 10 games, but his club performed well in his absence, going 5-3-2 in a span that included a four-game winning streak. Josh Leivo will be a scratch to make way for Matthews' return.

Source: thestar March 22, 2018 17:26 UTC