Leafs optimistic that Andersen, Zaitsev, and Polak will play Game 1 vs. Caps
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs are hopeful that three key contributors will be available for Game 1 against the Washington Capitals.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen returned to practice Tuesday morning, following a worrying collision over the weekend, and was optimistic about starting the opener. Two defencemen, Nikita Zaitsev and Roman Polak, didn’t make it into the 45-minute session and are seemingly in question to play on Thursday night.
“They didn’t practise today so we’ll see if they practise (Wednesday),” head coach Mike Babcock said. “Obviously both guys are progressing. We’re optimistic both guys will be ready but I can’t guarantee anything.”
The Leafs at full health were already going to be challenged to slow the NHL’s top team. The absence of one or both defenders and their starting netminder would increase the difficulty of that task.