Leafs Notes from Practice

The Leafs held practice today in preparation for a busy week. They will have yet another back to back set of games over the weekend, and a few changes in the lineup have been made to kick things off this week.
Update: Jonas Gustavsson starts on Tuesday night!
Update 2: Komisarek probable for Tuesday’s game – Wilson.

The Leafs have shuffled their bottom lines a tad by moving Matt Stajan to the 4th line to play with Wayne Primeau and Colton Orr, while Rickard Wallin has been moved up to 3rd line to play with Lee Stempniak and Niklas Hagman.

The Leafs will look for their second win at home this season tomorrow night as they host the Minnesota Wild. It’s another test to prove the Leafs certainly are out of the “bottomer” category as the Wild are in last place of the Western Conference, but have played 0.500 hockey in their last ten (5-5-0).

After Tuesday’s game, the Leafs will then travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks in another weekend original six battle. Toronto will then fly right back home to host the Calgary Flames Saturday night.

Mike Komisarek did not participate in today’s practice, but the gritty defenseman has not been placed on injured reserve, and will be expected to play in Tuesday night’s game against the Wild.

“He skated before practice and felt better before yesterday and we’re assuming that he will improve to a point where he’ll probably play tomorrow,” said Ron Wilson.

When asked about the demotion of Matt Stajan for Rickard Wallin, Ron Wilson had this to say:

“Well, he point of that is we did it during the Carolina and Detroit game and we won both games. There’s no reason to change our lines anymore than they were at the end of last game.”

Also, all suggested rumors of Vesa Toskala to Carolina can now be shut down. The Hurricanes have announced the signing of Manny Legace to a one year, two-way contract.

Note: I will update this once Wilson addresses media later today.

Leafs Lines in Practice:

Blake – Mitchell – Kessel
Ponikarovsky – Grabovski – Kulemin
Hagman – Wallin – Stempniak
Stajan – Primeau – Orr

Other Articles:
Glencross Suspended 3 Games.
Cam Ward’s Injury – Video
Fight – Peters vs. Carkner
Phaneuf Hits Avery – Video