Maple Leafs: Matthews jumelé à Nylander

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a mixed start to the season, and after two straight losses, coach Craig Berube decided to combine his two best forwards, Auston Matthews and William Nylander, into a trio.

It will be the strong and fast Bobby McMann who will complete this lineup for Friday's game against the Buffalo Sabers.

This meeting will also be presented from 19:00. tonight on TVA Sport 2.

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“They (Matthews and Nylander) know each other well, Berube reminded at the press briefing. They do their job, don't they? They are good players. And Bobby McMann is playing well right now. I liked what he did this season. He skates well, handles the puck, and is strong. I like adding his speed to this trio, I think it will benefit them.

The first trio isn't the only one Berube has edited. In fact, the entire preparation is being revised. The only thing that hasn't changed is the presence of Anthony Stolarz in goal after six of the team's seven games this season.

Thus, John Tavares will continue to pilot the second line, but he will be accompanied by powerful winger Matthew Nice and rookie Matias Maccelli.

Tavares is at his best when his players have the ball in the opposition zone, the coach recalled.

“With Knies, he can go there and help on the forecheck and have the puck,” he explained. And Maccelli, his game is improving. He’s starting to see the ice and play better.”

Max Domi has moved up to the fourth line, while rookie Easton Cowan will get a chance to play alongside two big men in Nicholas Roy and Dakota Joshua.

The defense will also temporarily have a new face due to injuries to Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly. Dakota Mermis was recalled from the American League as compensation, and New Brunswick strongman Phillip Myers could also see action.

However, Rielly could return to action on Saturday when the Leafs face the Sabers for the second night in a row.

I'll be back

Later that day, the Leafs organization announced that goaltender Joseph Wall returned to the team. Wall left the Leafs in late September for family reasons that have since been unclear.

The 27-year-old American posted a 27-14-1 record in 42 games with the Leafs last season. Kayden Primeau has replaced him since the start of the season. The former Canadiens goaltender only played in one game, a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators on Oct. 14.