Maple Leafs reveal projected lineup versus Flyers: News on Nylander

The Maple Leafs are back in action on Thursday in Philadelphia, and while they may have a distinct advantage in this one due to some troubling news for the Flyers, there are no guaranteed wins in this league.

The Leafs have made it a habit of dropping points to beatable opponents in the past, but the team is rolling of late, picking up 12 of a possible 14 points during a recent 5-0-2 run, and the motivation and confidence is high right now for Craig Berube's group as they look to make ot 6-0-2 in their last 8 tonight.

Unfortunately, the Leafs will have to go to battle without William Nylander, who was not on the ice on Thursday, and appears to be in line to miss his 6th consecutive game. Nylander was placed on injured reserve retroactive to the end of December, and is eligible to come off of IR at anytime.

As for the Leafs' lineup, sans Nylander, here's how Berube and company were running their forward groups and defensive pairings at practice this morning ahead of tonight's battle in Philly.

The Leafs are currently 2 points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins and 3 points back of the Washington Capitals in the Wild Card race, and are 7 points back of the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens in the Atlantic Division. The Habs and Red Wings hold down the 2nd and 3rd place positions as of Thursday.

Auston Matthews has been red hot for the Leafs of late, producing 11 points over his last 5 games. He also recently overtook the legendary Mats Sundin on the all-time Maple Leafs goals list.

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