Leafs defenceman Zaitsev out vs. Penguins due to flu

Nikita-Zaitsev-Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev. (Nathan Denette/CP)

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev missed Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to the flu.

Zaitsev has four goals and eight assists in 51 games this season.

Connor Carrick replaced Zaitsev in the lineup and played next to Jake Gardiner on the blue line. Carrick has appeared in 39 games for the Leafs in 2017-18, registering three goals and five assists.

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