Leafs Rookie Akhtyamov Gets First NHL Start vs Isles

Toronto calls up rookie goalie Artur Akhtyamov for his first NHL start against the Islanders tonight, a move that screams desperation after their latest shutout loss. The kid's been lights-out in the minors, but jumping into this playoff push against a gritty Isles squad tests whether he's ready for the big leagues' meat grinder. Leafs brass knows one hot glove could flip their season, while New York smells blood in a matchup that could define both teams' late stretches.