Pushing Through the Flu: Leafs Game Preview 27

The Leafs face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight as they look to continue the momentum they built on Tuesday night against the Rangers. The Leafs have had a lot of illness in the dressing room, but yet have still managed to play a solid game. It looks like more changes could be seen as Keefe has stated that the team lineup for tonight is subject to change.


Leafs Projected Lineup

Three Things to Look Out For

Gregor

Noah Gregor has played a fast and effective game while mainly playing on the Leafs fourth line and the penalty kill. His solid play earned him a promotion to the first line, with Matthew Knies out of the lineup due to illness. It looks like Gregor will be on that first line once again, and he will look to use his speed to create chances for Matthews and Nylander. Keep an eye on Gregor tonight as he looks to show more with a greater opportunity.

Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov was one of the first Leafs to battle this illness that’s been going around and is the projected starter for tonight‘s game. Samsonov has struggled to play a consistent game so far this season with the Leafs, and that can be seen by his last two starts. One was a shutout, while the other he looked much weaker and let in some goals he’d love to have back. Look for Samsonov to rebound tonight and start to build up some consistent play, as he has runway with the Leafs net. 

McCabe

Jake McCabe has started to elevate his game ever since coming back from his injury. He’s also spent most of that time on the right side, which typically would be his offside, but he’s looked much more composed. Now, he seems to be landing some big hits and playing a much better game. Look for McCabe to keep doing the things he does well while trying to be more of the player that the Leafs had hoped he’d be when they traded for him.

Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on TSN!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ITRnathanbondy.

2-0? In THIS Economy? Leafs Late Night

WELCOME BACK TO LEAFS LATE NIGHT! Presented by Inside The RinkRoscoe / Biehner – Shots vs Results- Knock On Wood- Domi's Legacy- Roscoe Rant- Stolarz vs GriegNEW MERCH IS AVAILABLE!JOIN OUR DISCORD!Remember to follow us on Twitter @LeafsLateNight & IG @LeafsLateNightCheck out Mike, Josh, and Nathan's articles on the Leafs + many more! insidetherink.comHow to support us and our sponsors:TicketmasterColumbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR
  1. 2-0? In THIS Economy?
  2. The Battle of Ontario: Remastered Edition
  3. Saint Joseph Woll
  4. Vanquishing Rivals of Yesteryear
  5. Lawesome-Tawesome


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Stuart Skinner

Opinion: Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Showing Some Steadiness Between the Pipes

When it comes to Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, one never knows what they are going to get. On one hand, one might see a version of Skinner, 26, who stands tall, comes up with big saves, does not get out of position, and does not allow soft goals. When this version of Skinner is […]

Read More

3 Takeaways From The Florida Panthers & Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 | 05/28/2025

“Big players make big plays at the biggest moments when you need them too.” That’s what Sam Reinhart had to say about his captain, Sasha Barkov, in his post-game interview. The Cats rallied from a disappointing first period to score three unanswered goals in the second. The eventual game winner scored by Verhaeghe developed from […]

Read More
Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture […]

Read More