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Kampf’s a game-time decision as flu bug returns ahead of Maple Leafs’ tilt vs Sabres

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Joseph Zita | Last updated 3/6/24

It’s been an iffy homestand thus far for the Toronto Maple Leafs record-wise, going 2-2-0 against Vegas, Arizona, New York, and Boston. However, for the first time since their embarrassing 9-3 defeat in late December, they will be hosting the Buffalo Sabres, looking to get revenge while snapping a three-game losing skid to them.

Similarly to the Coyotes, the Maple Leafs’ recent record against the Sabres has not been good. Over their last ten meetings, Toronto has a 3-7-0 record, 1-4-0 at home, and has been outscored 48-33 by Buffalo, including losing both games to them earlier in the season.

But it’s not just the Sabres. According to Statmuse.com, the Maple Leafs have a 6-8-2 record against Atlantic division teams this season, and a chunk of those losses have come against Boston (0-1-2), Buffalo (0-2-0), and Ottawa (1-3-0). And with the Sabres tonight and the Bruins tomorrow, completing the back-to-back, picking up wins here is crucial.

However, Toronto could be short-handed when they close out their five-game homestand tonight against the Sabres. According to Sheldon Keefe, David Kampf, who wasn’t on the ice yesterday due to an illness, was present today but is listed as a game-time decision against Buffalo, among others who are fighting the flu bug again this season.

Keefe says Kampf is a game-time decision as are other Leafs

Flu bug again going through the room @TSN_Edge

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 6, 2024

It’s uncertain what the lineup will eventually look like when the puck drops tonight at Scotiabank Arena with the unknown amount of game-time decisions, but it’s safe to suggest Noah Gregor, who has been a healthy scratch for the last three games, will re-enter Toronto’s lineup if his services are needed.

In other Maple Leafs news, defenseman Mark Giordano, who suffered a concussion in Toronto’s 4-2 win over Arizona last Thursday, was on the ice this morning for the first time since the incident. It is unknown when he will be cleared to play, but he is still listed on injured reserve (IR).

Really good to see Mark Giordano back on the ice

Suffered a concussion on Feb. 29 @TSN_Edge pic.twitter.com/EmDY36Rwip

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 6, 2024

Pregame details:

Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup:

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner

Tyler Bertuzzi – Max Domi – William Nylander

Bobby McMann – John Tavares – Calle Jarnkrok

Noah Gregor – Pontus Holmberg – Ryan Reaves

TJ Brodie – Timothy Liljegren

Morgan Rielly – Ilya Lyubushkin

Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe

Buffalo Sabres’ lineup:

Jordan Greenway – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

Jeff Skinner – *** – Kyle Okposo

Zach Benson – Dylan Cozens – JJ Peterka

Zemgus Girgensons – Peyton Krebs – Eric Robinson

Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju

Owen Power – Connor Clifton

Ryan Johnson – Jacob Bryson

One lineup note***: Buffalo forward Casey Mittelstadt was traded to the Colorado Avalanche while writing this, so it is unknown who enters the lineup for the 25-year-old. The Sabres have received defenseman Byram in the deal.

We have acquired forward Casey Mittelstadt from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. pic.twitter.com/tNAH7jjdqz

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 6, 2024

Projected goalies:

Ilya Samsonov (TOR) vs Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF)

Ilya Samsonov was the first goalie off the ice this morning, suggesting he is the projected starter for the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight after Joseph Woll got the nod against the Boston Bruins on Monday night, aligning Woll to get the start tomorrow night against the Bruins again.