It was an explosive practice in a literal sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of their preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Max Domi is expected to centre the second line with Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson on his wings, while John Tavares will lead the first line alongside Calle Jarnkrok and William Nylander. Jarnkrok ripped a puck in practice and shattered the glass during line rushes, forcing attendants to repair the panel as the session continued for Saturday’s game group.

Nicolas Roy will centre the third line with Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli on the wings. This could be Toronto’s opening night third line as well. Auston Matthews is expected to have the night off, with Domi working in as a stand-in centre in his place. Domi is expected to start this season on the wing, where he’s proven to be more adept at than centre.

James Reimer was on the ice during the practice session, but isn’t expected to play Saturday. Reimer signed a professional tryout agreement with the Maple Leafs on Friday, reuniting the 37-year-old with his first NHL club.

Here’s what you need to know:

Max Domi and Matias Maccelli are the leading candidates to start on Auston Matthews’ right wing in large part due to their playmaking abilities. Domi and Maccelli are both gifted passers, qualities that head coach Craig Berube has cited throughout training camp, and it’s imperative they constantly find high-danger chances for the Leafs’ headlining stars throughout the year.

Maccelli was asked about who his playmaking inspiration was growing up and he cited Patrick Kane as an example. Kane was a formative influence on many players coming into their prime during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, and Maccelli will square off against the veteran winger several times, with the 36-year-old featuring for the Detroit Red Wings.

Domi also played with Kane, and expanded on why he gravitated towards his game, stating that he signed with the Blackhawks in July 2022 because of the opportunity to play with the dynamic right winger.

“Kaner [Patrick Kane] for sure, he gets mad at me for saying that because I played with him,” Domi said. “He became one of my good buddies and we were linemates for a full season, which was the highlight of my career, absolutely.”