Luke Schenn has been scratched for the first time this season.
The Maple Leafs defenceman, who has struggled at times in his sophomore year, is not playing tonight against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre.
Jeff Finger, who was a healthy scratch for the three previous games, dressed in place of Schenn.
Schenn had said after the morning skate that he had not been told he would not be playing. Not long after, coach Ron Wilson was coy with the media, saying only that a change in the defence corps was possible.
Schenn has been better lately, but did not have a great game in Boston against the Bruins on Thursday night. So much did Schenn have problems early in the season that there were calls for him to be sent to the minors. But Wilson had stuck with him until tonight.
In 31 games, Schenn has no goals, four assists and is even in the plus-minus category.
terry.koshan@sunmedia.ca
