Reimer in for Maple Leafs, van Riemsdyk questionable

Tuesday, 10.15.2013 / 4:41 PM

By Joe Yerdon - NHL.com Correspondent / 2013-2014 At the Rink Blog

E-mail

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs will have at least one lineup change and could be looking at another one Tuesday as they host the Minnesota Wild.

James van Riemsdyk left the morning skate early and may not be able to play.

"James van Riemsdyk is a question mark for tonight," coach Randy Carlyle said. "So we'll see how he responds to some treatment here now and later on today. We'll make a decision based upon where he's at for tonight."

If van Riemsdyk can't play, Troy Bodie or Trevor Smith could be inserted into the lineup.

James Reimer returns in goal, making his first start since Oct. 5, when he was pulled from a start against the Ottawa Senators after allowing four goals on 21 shots.

Reimer said the time off has given him a chance to get refocused on the job.

"It gives you an opportunity to practice hard and you get extra time to work on your game," Reimer said. "Obviously you want to play but I think I used the time well and I’m feeling better for it."

The Wild had an optional skate Tuesday after playing Monday at the Buffalo Sabres. One possible change is the return of defenseman Marco Scandella to the lineup. Clayton Stoner played just four shifts after a first-period fight with Buffalo's Cody McCormick and could get a night off.

Goaltender Niklas Backstrom is with the team but not expected to play. Darcy Kuemper will start in goal after Josh Harding stopped 22 shots in the 2-1 win against the Sabres.

Here is what the lineups could look like Tuesday if van Riemsdyk and Scandella play:

MAPLE LEAFS

James van Riemsdyk - Tyler Bozak - Phil Kessel

David Broll - Nazem Kadri - Joffrey Lupul

Mason Raymond - Dave Bolland - Josh Leivo

Carter Ashton - Jay McClement - Colton Orr

Carl Gunnarsson - Dion Phaneuf

Morgan Rielly - Cody Franson

Jake Gardiner - Paul Ranger

James Reimer

Jonathan Bernier

Injured: Mark Fraser (knee), Frazer McLaren (hand), Nikolai Kulemin (ankle)