Maple Leafs give Mrazek first post-waivers start

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs (optional) skated at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. 

Just days after clearing waivers, Petr Mrazek will get the start for the Leafs on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. 

"In talking to him, you know, he's in a good place relative to what he's been through here," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "He's handled it well. He had a really good practice day yesterday so it's a good opportunity to kind of clear his head and get going."

"As teammates, it's up to us to support him," said defenceman Morgan Rielly, "to play really well in front of him and just to make sure that he feels comfortable. I don't have a lot of experience with the waivers and what that looks like, but I know it can be challenging on guys and take a toll, but you wouldn't know it. He came in yesterday and worked really hard. He's here today kind of business as usual, and I think that's really impressive."

Mrazek hasn't played since the Heritage Classic loss to the Buffalo Sabres, which was 10 days ago. He hasn't played at Scotiabank Arena since allowing four goals on 12 shots and getting pulled against the Arizona Coyotes on March 10. 

"Petr's a guy who has great experience in the league and he also has great experience in finding his game and bouncing back and then going on a great run," Keefe said. 

"As teammates, we all believe in him," said captain John Tavares. "We know his track record is very strong. He's been a quality goalie in this league for a long time and has had really good success. I don't think there's any doubt that that's there."

One of Mrazek's better games this season came against the Devils in Toronto when he stopped 19 of 20 shots to notch a win in relief of Jack Campbell on Jan.