Sandin earns 'huge opportunity' with Rielly as Leafs test out D

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who practised at Ford Performance Centre on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

With Jake Muzzin sidelined with a concussion, the Leafs are experimenting with some new looks on defence. At Tuesday's practice, lefty Rasmus Sandin shifted to the right side and joined Morgan Rielly on the top pair.

"It's a huge opportunity for me," the 21-year-old said. "Our games could fit really well. He's a guy I'm looking at and trying to take a lot of stuff from. In that way, we can read off each other very well. We're probably going to know what the other guy will do with the puck and where he's going to go when he doesn't have it. It can be a really good pair."

"We like to use him in offensive situations as we do with Morgan," coach Sheldon Keefe said. "Now you have them both and you can pair them with the [Auston] Matthews line for offensive-zone faceoffs. We are curious to see how that plays out."

Sandin is riding a wave of confidence after potting the game-winning goal against Washington on Monday. It was his first career showdown against the Capitals and Alex Ovechkin. 

"A guy that I've been looking up to since I was young," Sandin said. "That was one of my first jerseys I ever had so it's pretty cool to go against him even though, right before the goal, he cross-checked me over my arm and it stung a bit."

Sandin stands just 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, but doesn't shy away from physical play. 

"I love it," he said. "It's part of the game. I like when it's physical. I'm comfortable playing those games. It's a lot fun." 

Sandin is second among Leafs defenceman in hits this season behind only Muzzin. 

"He uses