Morgan Rielly’s status vs. the Sharks is set as the Maple Leafs lock in their projected lineup

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Morgan Rielly missed Wednesday’s practice however head coach Craig Berube did say that the veteran was likely to suit up anyways on Thursday vs. San Jose.

But while McMann is assuredly out, one name who might have also missed was Morgan Rielly, who missed practice on Wednesday due to an illness.

Morgan Rielly set to play vs. Sharks despite missing practice

Another loss to Toronto’s blueline would cause all sorts of headaches, but thankfully according to Craig Berube; he’ll be just fine.

Berube spoke to reporters on Wednesday and explained that although Rielly is out at practice, his status for Thursday isn’t in jeopardy, and he’s expected to play against the Sharks.

Rielly, 31, has been solid this season. Currently fourth on the team in points (22), he’s shown a lot more offensive punch this year, while also throwing more shots on net.

Berube indirectly called out his last game for consistently missing the net, but rectified that against Tampa where he scored the eventual game-winner late in the first period.

How Toronto is projected to line-up against San Jose

With Rielly slated to play, the Maple Leafs are projected to line-up a little differently on Thursday due to the McMann suspension as well as trying to spark a struggling William Nylander:

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Max Domi
Easton Cowan – John Tavares – Nick Robertson
Dakota Joshua – Nicolas Roy – William Nylander
Steven Lorentz – Scott Laughton – Calle Jarnkrok

Jake McCabe – Troy Stecher
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Philippe Myers*
Simon Benoit – Henry Thrun

*Rielly absent due to illness

Dennis Hildeby (Starter)
Artur Akhtyamov

Berube can change these lines at any time, so these are just projected based on practice, however there are some stark changes to what we’ve seen.

With McMann out, Nylander stakes over his spot not only as the offensive portion of the third line, but as someone who needs a spark and perhaps against some weaker lines he can find it.

Berube explained his decision to reporters on Wednesday:

Tavares, Nylander and Cowan have fallen off for me a bit, dried up. If I had to look at one thing, it’s that he has to get involved more, work his way through it. That’s what I talked to him [Nylander] about today.

Nick Robertson finds his way back into the lineup and gets a shot in the top-six again, as Craig Berube gives him a shot in the lineup after a healthy scratch, and knowing his past; he could end up scoring a goal or two.

Henry Thrun makes his Maple Leafs debut after being called up due to Dakota Mermis’ injury, and will get a chance to showcase what he can do; Thrun was acquired for Ryan Reaves back in the summer.

Dennis Hildeby will look to build off his first career shutout he earned Monday. Hildeby has been stellar so far this season, and has stopped 94 of the last 97 shots against. This season he has a 2-2-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .936 SV%.

Toronto will get a chance to add a critical two points on Thursday albeit without the normal lineup they’ve had recently. But as long as everyone can play the Berube way, and Hildeby continues to dominate; the Maple Leafs could very well skate away with the victory.

Previously on Hockey Patrol

POLL

3 HOURS AGO   |   85 ANSWERS

Morgan Rielly’s status vs. the Sharks is set as the Maple Leafs lock in their projected lineup

Do you think Toronto is going to make it two wins in a row against San Jose on Thursday?