Two of the Toronto Maple Leafs' Most Important Players Were Missing at Practice Today

Last night's Leafs win against the Pittsburgh Penguins was one that the team is probably trying to forget. Sure, it was an epic comeback, but those first 40 minutes were unacceptable.

On Wednesday, the Leafs are back in action against the Utah Mammoth, and they have no choice but to put on a performance that will get them a victory.

With that in mind, head coach Craig Berube had the Leafs back on the ice today in Toronto. The team was on the ice, ready to work, although there were two key players missing.

When someone misses practice, there are always concerns that the player or players might be injured. With the two absentees being Anthony Stolarz and Brandon Carlo, the concerns were real.

However, given the performance that both players laid down last night, it seems like this was just a way for the coach to reward guys who are putting in the work. Stolarz and Carlo need the rest.

Carlo had a plethora of blocked shots, while Stolarz has gone two games in a row in which he has turned aside 30 shots or more.

With Cayden Primeau showing himself to be untrustworthy in the net, Stolarz has no choice but to take on more starts, which he typically isn't used to.

Thankfully, Joseph Woll should be returning to the team soon, which will allow the goaltender to get some nights off, going forward.

As for Carlo, he is that much more important right now due to the injuries facing guys like Chris Tanev. The Leafs cannot afford for him to miss time.

With all of that being said, we hope to see Carlo and Stolarz back on the ice tomorrow as the Leafs take on the Mammoth, and try to make it three wins in a row.