“I don’t have to decide until tomorrow,” head coach Mike Babcock said when asked how Rielly’s return will affect his lineup plans. The Leafs beat the Sabres that night and have a record of 3-2-1 overall without one of their best workhorse blue liners. Hunwick-Polak had been one of their most scrutinized pairings, especially with Marincin out for 17 games through much of December and January. RelatedTuesday begins a busy cycle of 17 games for the Leafs up to March 3, as they make up their many games in hand, beginning and ending with road trips to the Western Conference. (A playoff race) would be a good learning experience, but we’re not approaching this as a chance to learn.

Source: National Post January 30, 2017 21:34 UTC