Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander will be a game-time decision for the Maple Leafs against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, NBCSP, SNW, SNO, CBC). The forward did not play in a 6-3 loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday and has missed two of the past three games with an lower-body injury. "It's going to be a decision that's made tomorrow," Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said Friday. "... If he says he's ready to play and he wants to play, I want him in the lineup." ... Chris Tanev practiced Friday and is nearing a return from an upper-body injury. "It went well today, so we'll see how tomorrow goes." The defenseman has not played since Oct. 21, having missed the past four games. ... Forward Scott Laughton is "real close" to returning from a lower-body injury that has sidelined him all season, Berube said.
Washington Capitals
Dylan Strome (lower body) missed his second straight game in Washington's 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Friday. The forward was injured in the first period of a 7-1 loss at Ottawa on Oct. 25. ... Rasmus Sandin (upper body) missed his fourth straight game and likely won't play at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT2, MSG-B). "I would say it's highly likely that he's out for the weekend," coach Spencer Carbery said.
New York Islanders
Mathew Barzal returned to the lineup for the Islanders and had one goal in a 3-1 win against the Washington Capitals on Friday. The forward did not play in a 6-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday after he arrived late to the team's morning skate. ... Forward Callum Ritchie was recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League and made his Islanders debut, playing 16:17.
Minnesota Wild
Mats Zuccarello returned to practice for the Wild this week and could make his season debut next week. The forward began skating on his own last week after the team announced on Sept. 18 that he would be out 7-8 weeks. "I think he is in and around that range," coach John Hynes said Friday. "I wouldn't guarantee (returning) next week but I think he's within the next week or so."
Buffalo Sabres
Zach Benson was placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury on Friday. The 20-year-old forward had an assist while playing 16:18 in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins before leaving the game late in the third period. The Sabres recalled forward Isak Rosen from Rochester of the AHL. Buffalo hosts the Washington Capitals on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT2, MSG-B).
