Remember how, around 36 hours ago, Leafs Nation was in disarray at having lost three straight games? Well, we’re over that now, because yesterday’s game was a cure-all. Seriously, my skin has cleared, my crops are flourishing, William Nylander scored a goal, all is well in Leafs Land. Welcome to the next century, heck yeah.

Meanwhile, in Blue Jackets Land, things are considerably less sunny. Like the Leafs, they’ve lost three of four. Unlike the Leafs, they’re coming off being on the wrong end of a butt-kicking at the hands of the Boston Bruins (who are… actually… good… maybe?) The Jackets’ 7-2 loss wasn’t a pretty one, and what’s more? They’ll be without marquee defenseman Zach Werenski, and that’s bad news for them. (Good news for the Leafs, though.)

You know who else won’t be playing tonight? Auston Matthews, fellow American and former NTDP teammate of Werenski. Presumably, the two can catch up during the game and chat about how much their teams will feel their respective absences on the ice, and also how the NHL and IOC need to work something out by the next time the Olympics come around because I really think the United States has some of the most exciting talent in years —

Anyway. Game tonight. Leafs sans Matthews. Blue Jackets sans Werenski. Let’s go.

As noted above, the Leafs are still missing Matthews. Kasperi Kapanen and Connor Carrick will stay in the lineup, and it’s mostly business as usual otherwise.

The team had been struggling offensively prior to yesterday afternoon’s 8-goal performance, so we’ll see which way things go today.

Not having Werenski is definitely a blow for Columbus, whose Werenski-Jones pairing is one of the best in the league.

Still, this is a motivated squad looking to put their best foot forward after their suboptimal showing in Boston, so the Leafs will have to stay sharp in the second game of a back-to-back tonight.

IT’S A BATTLE OF THE BACK-UPS. Also, McElhinney will be facing his former team, so there’s a #narrative for you. McElhinney was (bizarrely) absolutely aces in his last start against the Oilers, so let’s hope we get more of that.

Make the Pint your home for all things game day. We give away a free pound of wings during every game either home or away. 4.40$ mugs of Bud and Bud Lights.