Maple Leafs to Receive Huge Boost in Their Lineup on Thursday, Craig Berube Confirms

The Leafs are coming off of a bit of a concerning outing in New Jersey on Tuesday night, allowing their opponent to outshoot them 39-16, despite still managing to win the game in overtime.

Anthony Stolarz was exceptional in the contest, making 38 saves on the evening, earning some praise from ex-Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe after the game. Auston Matthews played the hero in OT with a brilliant individual effort to beat the Devils defender to the loose puck before making the most of his opportunity on the breakaway, putting one up and under the bar on Jacob Markstrom to seal the 2-1 OT victory.

The Leafs just didn't have it defensively on Tuesday, but on Thursday evening, they'll be getting quite the boost, as Jake McCabe's return has been confirmed by Leafs head coach Craig Berube on Thursday morning.

McCabe has missed the last 5 games after taking a puck to the head/neck area approximately two weeks ago during a meeting with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The return of one of the Leafs' best two-way defenders should provide the blueline with some additional stability and physicality and make life more difficult for the opposition. It may also make life a little easier for the Leafs' goaltenders, as McCabe can help clear the front of the net and block shots, as he does so often.

The veteran blueliner inked a 5-year extension with the Leafs earlier this season.