Maple Leafs Scratch Players, Youngsters Shine

0:00You're listening to NHL News today, subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. The Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout last night. It marked their fourth straight loss and came in their second to last game before the March 6th trade deadline. Despite grabbing the lead late in the third period, they let it slip with just over two minutes left and couldn't close it out. Earlier that day, coach Craig Barubi insisted no players would sit for trade reasons, but hours before puck drop, the team scratched Bobby McMahon, Scott Lafton, and Oliver Ekman-Larson. Others, like Troy Stecker, Anthony Stolars, and Matthias McShelly, stayed in the lineup. This move signals teams protecting key trade pieces this time of year. It puts pressure on coaches to stay competitive with a thinner roster. On the flip side, it opens doors for younger guys to step up with bigger minutes and match-ups. Nick Easton-Kallen, who centered Austin Matthews and William Nylander on the top line. He played over 17 minutes, grabbed an assist, and looked right at home after limited shifts

1:04earlier this season. One game remains before the deadline, a road trip against the New York Rangers. Expect potential deals for the scratch players and more, reshaving the lineup into something very different by the weekend. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode, Your Pillow, Your Podcast, Your Moment, Made for Listening in Bed, S-O-L-I-SOLPillo.com.