Ahead of Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs held their optional morning skate at the Ford Performance Centre. There were tons of screaming fans and kids in attendance, spilling over from the community rinks as Dennis Hildeby, Simon Benoit and several other early attendees received a hero’s welcome.

Matthew Knies, Max Pacioretty (a projected healthy scratch), Steven Lorentz, Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson primarily worked on shooting and cycle drills in one end of the ice with Dennis Hildeby in goal, while Timothy Liljegren, Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe got work in against Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz is the projected starter for Saturday’s game.

Here’s what you need to know what from Saturday’s optional morning skate:

Arun Srinivasan

@Arunthings

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A ton of fans are here from the community rinks to watch Leafs optional morning skate this morning. Lots of screaming kids and fans as Dennis Hildeby is the first to take the ice.

2:16 PM · Oct 19, 2024

Max Pacioretty addresses healthy scratches

Max Pacioretty will be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game, but the 35-year-old is taking the decision in stride.

“I’m dealing with it the best I can, just work,” Pacioretty said after Saturday’s optional morning skate. “I’m at this stage of my career for a reason. Would I rather be playing? Of course, anyone would rather be playing, but at the same time, I know I can help the team, even when I’m not playing. I had a good workout out there and just keep working on my game.”

Berube told reporters after Wednesday’s game that it was merely his decision, before providing a more expansive answer on why he benched the 35-year-old.

“There’s no message. We have guys, we have extra players, and not everybody can play every night, that’s the bottom line. He’s been fine when he’s played, but I gotta make decisions as a coach, and I’m gonna make those decisions what I think is best for the team.”

Pacioretty continued to emphasize that he’s enjoying working on his game and at this stage of his career, he completely understands the territory of playing on a team with plenty of depth at forward.

“I don’t really need a message. I’ve played for a long time. I know it’s a long season and when you’re looking at the playoffs, it’s a whole new season there. Obviously, it’s a big deal that I’m getting asked about it but at the same time, I don’t focus on any of that stuff I can’t control. I can control working on my game and being a good teammate.”

Steven Lorentz continues to live the dream, addresses the viral yearbook photo

Steven Lorentz is living out his boyhood dream of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and when his sister, Steph, posted a photo of yearbook photo of him stating he’s going to play in the NHL for the Maple Leafs, it went viral.

Lorentz addressed the yearbook photo happily Saturday morning.

“That was probably not the only yearbook I put that in,” Lorentz said. “That was definitely the goal my whole life. So to be able to be standing here right now in front of you guys is definitely special. I take a lot of pride in that, I don’t take it for granted.”

Lorentz and Toronto’s fourth line has generated stellar underlying numbers, and he’s looking forward to an early marquee regular season game against the Rangers.

“It’s just fresh, there’s a buzz around the team right now, and we’re happy with where we’re at as a group with a lot of potential,” Lorentz said. “It’s a stepping stone, just one game at a time. So teams like [the Rangers], and we’ll get some of the top teams in the league, it’s a good test for us to see where we’re at kind of a benchmark. We’re excited for the challenge and the opportunity.”

Woll receives mandatory off day

Joseph Woll received a mandatory day off, Berube told reporters Saturday morning.

Woll is working his way back from injury, telling reporters that he’s been dealing with groin tightness on Friday. He is eligible to return from injured reserve but he’ll be the odd man out Saturday, as Stolarz is the projected starter, while Hildeby will function as the team’s backup.

It’ll be compelling to see whether Woll returns to the lineup Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, or on the road Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets but for now, no further update has been provided as he works his way back to full health.

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup:

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner

Bobby McMann-Max Domi-William Nylander

Pontus Holmberg-John Tavares-Nick Robertson

Steven Lorentz-David Kampf-Ryan Reaves

Morgan Rielly-Chris Tanev

Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Jake McCabe

Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins

Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)

Dennis Hildeby

Rangers’ projected lineup

Here is the New York Rangers’ projected lineup via Mollie Walker of the New York Post:

Mollie Walker

@MollieeWalkerr

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#NYR lines at morning skate: Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko Edström-Carrick-Rempe Miller-Fox Schneider-Trouba Lindgren-Jones Mancini skating with Ruhwedel, could mean No. 55 is ready

3:24 PM · Oct 19, 2024

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