PHILADELPHIA – A conscience and a menace.
That is what the Toronto Maple Leafs will be missing Saturday night in Philadelphia, where they embark on a fresh month and set out to find their game after an uneven October that left a talent-loaded group with a rather pedestrian 6-5-3 record and on the wrong side of the wild-card fence.
Captain John Tavares, whom coach Mike Babcock described as the club’s "conscience" after one of the two full-contact practices he participated in this week, will be a surprise scratch after flying to Philadelphia Friday with the intention of suiting up for the first time since breaking his finger on Oct. 16.
"You want to be out there. It sucks watching," lamented Tavares, following a shooting session with fellow injured linemate Zach Hyman. "To say you’re not a little disappointed, I’d be lying.
"You got to be safe and do the right thing."
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Tavares says there has been no setback, but after undergoing a series of tests and meeting with the club’s medical staff, the Leafs thought it wise to take advantage of three more days’ rest and target Tuesday’s home game versus the Los Angeles Kings as the new return date.
Despite remodelling his glove to provide extra protection around the damaged digit, Tavares is still challenged with the ability to grip his stick strong. His ability to bear down and win puck battles and get quick shots off — two hallmarks of his game — have been hampered.
Without their captain, the Leafs have scuffled to a 2-2-2 record, watched their power play drop from over 19 per cent to just a 10 per cent clip, and have struggled in defensive matchups.
"Well, what are we gonna do?" Babcock said. "We’re doing everything we can to get him ready. That’s why we don’t make those medical decisions. Obviously, it would’ve been a week ago if I was in charge of that department."
"It’s just about opportunity and finding out who’s capable of stepping up and who can maybe slot themselves up on the lines."
Tavares’s absence will keep Jason Spezza in the lineup. The veteran has two assists but is still searching for his first goal as a Maple Leaf.
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On the back end, journeyman Martin Marincin will slot up to the left of Tyson Barrie and should see use on the penalty kill.
Marincin is being called upon because Jake Muzzin suffered a charley horse from a Tom Wilson hit Tuesday and did not travel with the team due to "personal reasons," per Babcock.
"It’s a big menace that’s going to be missing," Andreas Johnsson said of the Leafs’ most physical and responsible own-zone defender.
"He likes to throw the body around, and he’s been playing really well for us," added Kasperi Kapanen, before turning his attention to Marincin.
"Defensive specialist. We call him ‘The Specialist.’ He’s got the long stick and he just does his job so well, so it’s hard to play against him, and I think that’s exactly what we need."
While Toronto also needs to return to full health, the Leafs do have the benefit of three full days off.
Meanwhile, the Flyers may be sluggish taking the ice for the second time in under 24 hours, after grinding out a 4-3 shootout victory in New Jersey Friday night.
"We got six D. Let’s go," Babcock said. "We’ve had rest. We should be set up as good as we’ve been since anytime this year."