Leafs practice news: Cowan joins Tavares, Domi moved to 4th line, Hildeby will start vs. Capitals

Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is shuffling the lines.Easton Cowan will join John Tavares on the second line, with Nick Robertson on the left wing, via David Alter of The Hockey News. Cowan and Tavares found some success together earlier in the season, and it’s a reward for the rookie’s consistent play throughout the year. The 20-year-old also received reps on the team’s second power play unit. Cowan has recorded four goals and 10 points in 24 games this season.Max Domi was moved to the fourth line with Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton. Domi has recorded three goals and 12 points in 31 games, with a -12 rating on the season. Matias Maccelli and Calle Jarnkrok are projected as healthy scratches. Maccelli hasn’t played since November 28 and Berube told reporters that he’s looking to get the struggling forward back into the lineup soon. The 25-year-old has recorded four goals and nine points in 22 games this season.Dennis Hildeby is the starter for Thursday’s contest. Hildeby is in excellent form with a 2-2-3 record and a .923 save percentage. The 24-year-old operated as the starting goaltender when Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz were both out of the lineup. Woll returned for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, recording the win. Berube indicated that he plans to use Hildeby more often, after his recent surge.

There are no changes to the defence corps, with Chris Tanev and Philippe Myers skating among the extras.

Prior to Thursday’s contest, the Maple Leafs assigned defenceman Marshall Rifai to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Capitals

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-William Nylander

Nick Robertson-John Tavares-Easton Cowan

Dakota Joshua-Nicolas Roy-Bobby McMann

Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Max Domi 

Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Jake McCabe-Troy Stecher

Simon Benoit-Henry Thrun

Dennis Hildeby (confirmed starter) 

Joseph Woll 

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