By BARRY DAVIS
sportsnet.ca
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie goaltender Jonas Gustavsson will make his NHL pre-season debut Friday night in Detroit.
Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson told Sportsnet he plans to play Gustavsson for one period but if he doesn’t see much action and looks OK, he may play half of the second period.
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Gustavsson will also play two periods Saturday against the Wings in Toronto.
Leafs centre Jason Allison, who was scheduled to play Friday, was not at practice today.
Wilson said he’s still feeling flu-like symptoms so he told him to stay home and rest.
Wilson was asked by reporters what he thought the main difference was with Tomas Kaberle this year versus last.
“He was fat last year, he’s not fat this year,” he replied.
Jason Blake, who was not scheduled to play Friday, left practice early but told Sportsnet he’s fine. Blake added he was having issues with his skate and that one of the laces was burning into his foot, so he cut his day short.
Meanwhile, Mike Van Ryn is still being bothered by his knee and didn’t skate Friday.
Phil Kessel, who’s been skating alone all week, spoke with the media Friday.
He says he’s right on schedule but is getting antsy to get the equipment on and practice with the team.
