Leafs missing a very important member of the D corps against the Islanders; tonight's projected lineup

Sheldon Keefe continues to adjust his lineup and tinker as the weeks go on. The Leafs' lines ahead of tonight's matchup against Pierre Engvall and the New York Islanders contained some additional shuffling, particularly on the blueline. The game should have a playoff like intensity as this will be an important game for the Isles, currently sitting in the 1st wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They sit just 1 point up on Florida and 2 up on the Penguins.

Tonight's match should be a measuring stick type of game against a team already playing for their playoff lives and Sheldon Keefe is planning accordingly. The Leafs will go with a 12F/6D setup instead of 11F/7D as Brodie sits, nursing a minor injury. No need for Toronto to risk further injury to Brodie, especially when they have 9 NHL defensemen on the roster.






T.J. Brodie has been arguably Toronto's best and most reliable defender this year and he seems to elevate the play of whoever Keefe pairs with him. With Brodie sitting, here's what the projected lineup looks like for tonight and just how valuable he's been this year.





A great test tonight for the Buds, looking to prove they're playoff ready against a desperate heavy-hitting defensive Islanders squad. It will be fascinating to monitor the Leafs' defensive depth and if they have the ability to overcome such a big loss on their back end and pick up the win tonight in hostile territory.