Gardiner eager for return against Lightning. kristen_shilton has MORE:
will return to the Maple Leafs’ lineup on Thursday against Tampa Bay, finally recovered from a back injury that cost him 18 games.
There were days during his rehabilitation process where Gardiner didn’t feel great, and he admitted on Tuesday that having surgery on his back was debated but deemed not necessary “at this time.” Toronto has two regular-season games remaining before they face Boston in the first round of the NHL postseason, a series projected to begin a week from Thursday in Boston .
“He’s a really, really good player,” said Leafs’ coach Mike Babcock. “He moves the puck well. He’s way better defensively than people think. An important player on our team…You just can’t get [guys like] him. We’ve tried a real cycle [of players] here. You’ve seen how hard it is to be a good defenceman in the National Hockey League. He’s one of them.”
To ensure Gardiner isn’t overtaxed in the ramp up to playoffs, Babcock said he’ll monitor Gardiner closely and adjust his minutes accordingly.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canadiens begin final playoff push against NHL-leading Lightning - TSN.caAs the Montreal Canadiens attempt to chase down an Eastern Conference wild-card spot, they would be happy if Tuesday's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning ends up being a playoff preview. Viewers in the Canadiens region can watch the game LIVE on TSN2 at 7:30PM ET / 8:30PM AT.
Read more »
Teammates eager to win one for Tavares - TSN.caMaple Leafs aiming to clinch a playoff spot at Nassau Coliseum with a much better showing against the Islanders, Mark Masters writes.
Read more »
With mom on his mind, Tellez eager to prove fall surge was no fluke - TSN.caAfter his mom died of cancer last August, Rowdy Tellez put on a heartwarming September performance that exceeded all expectations, a feel-good story in an otherwise lost season for the Blue Jays. Tellez’s big-time power has shown up early this season in the form of a pair of home runs in his first five games, Scott Mitchell writes.
Read more »
Ice Chips: Gardiner a GTD for Leafs - TSN.caKeep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips.
Read more »
Lightning reach 60 wins with victory over Sens - TSN.caYanni Gourde had two goals and an assist as the Tampa Bay Lightning won its 60th game of the season with a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators Monday night. The Lightning, who play their final four games on the road, are just the third team in NHL history to win 60 games in a season.
Read more »
Habs beat Lightning but still outside playoff spot - TSN.caArtturi Lehkonen and Max Domi scored third-period goals to give the Canadiens a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, keeping the Canadiens within reach for a wild-card spot. The Blue Jackets currently hold the last wild card and own the tiebreaker, with the Habs currently sitting out of the playoffs.
Read more »
Why Maple Leafs fans should be cheering for Gardiner's return - Sportsnet.caNHL insider Chris Johnston joins Nikki Reyes to get us set for Maple Leafs vs. Lightning, a somewhat meaningless game in the standings, but huge because of Jake Gardiner's return, and major pride on the line.
Read more »
Maple Leafs hope Gardiner's return helps settle team before playoffs - Sportsnet.caThere are no guarantees Jake Gardiner's return to the lineup will go well. But considering how much the Maple Leafs struggled without him, the team is excited for his return.
Read more »
Malkin closer to return as Penguins vie for playoffs - TSN.caEvgeni Malkin might be ready to get back to work. The Pittsburgh Penguins certainly need him. The veteran centre practiced with his teammates on Wednesday and could be back in the lineup on Thursday night against Detroit.
Read more »