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Leafs don’t expect Zaitsev to play Game 2

Montreal Canadiens v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 02: Nikita Zaitsev #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs shoots and scores a goal during an NHL preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens at Air Canada Centre on October 2, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

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Don’t expect Nikita Zaitsev back for Game 2 of the Maple Leafs-Capitals series.

Toronto head coach Mike Babcock said this morning that the 25-year-old defenseman did not skate today, and is unlikely to play tomorrow in Washington.

Zaitsev missed Thursday’s Game 1 loss with an upper-body injury, possibly a concussion.
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“I don’t expect him back in,” said Babcock. “He didn’t go on the ice today. I was lobbying the best I could today, but they don’t much care what I say.”

By “they,” Babcock presumably meant the Maple Leafs’ medical staff.

Despite last night’s 3-2 overtime defeat, the head coach was encouraged by his team’s performance.

“I thought a confidence builder for sure,” Babcock said. “I liked our game.”