"The Toronto Maple Leafs were back on the practice ice this morning as they try to erase the memories from a 0-3-0 road trip.
Those in attendance were a bit surprised to not see defenseman Nikita Zaitsev on the ice when the skate starting. Things got even a little stranger when Martin Marincin appeared on the ice with rest of the Maple Leafs.
Sure enough, the Maple Leafs have just announced that the Zaitsev has been placed on injured reserve with lower-body injury. Marincin has been officially recalled from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League to take Zaitsev's roster spot while he is out of action.
Zaitsev played the entire game versus the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday and was even on the ice for the final shift of the game. Many agree that a little time off will do Zaitsev well as he has regressed a bit in his second year.
It will be interesting to see if Marincin, who has been very good with the Marlies this season, draws into the lineup over Connor Carrick. "
