Michael Hutchinson will start in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs when they take on the New York Islanders Saturday night.
This is the first time the Leafs’ backup goaltender has made a start in a non-back-to-back situation this season. In eight starts this season, the 29-year-old is 2-5-1 with a 4.03 GAA and a .883 save percentage.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters that he wanted to give Frederik Andersen the day off considering there aren’t many opportunities to do so before the all-star break.
Hutchinson made 24 saves in his last start for the Leafs in a 5-4 overtime win over the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 27.
Andreas Johnsson and Trevor Moore also took part in the Leafs’ optional morning skate Saturday morning. This is the first time Johnsson has been on the ice since injuring his leg on Dec. 4 while Moore has been out with a concussion.
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