Leafs’ Frederik Andersen expecting to return from injury Thursday in Nashville
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs are expecting to have their No. 1 netminder back in the crease Thursday night in Nashville.
Frederik Andersen took part in an optional practice in Toronto on Wednesday afternoon and sounded optimistic about starting against the Predators, ending a few days worth of uncertainty about his status for the Leafs’ playoff push.
“We’ll see on the plane, but I’m looking pretty positive and I feel ready to go,” Andersen said shortly before the two-hour flight to Nashville.
The 27-year-old was injured in the opening minutes of the Leafs Saturday visit to Buffalo after he was bumped in the head by Sabres forward William Carrier. Andersen claimed to feel “a little bit off” after the collision but remained in the game for the ensuing 17-plus minutes before he was finally replaced for the second period by backup Curtis McElhinney.