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“We wanted to play Hainsey and Zaitsev together (Monday) anyway,” Babcock said of the changes. “We wanted to see it and how that looks if we need to do that. The rest of the pairs, we’re going to get Dermott back, he’s going to skate (Tuesday) and then we’ll get back to doing what we normally do.”

Getting Gardiner settled as part of a six-man blueline was often a chore for his previous coaches — Ron Wilson, Randy Carlyle and, briefly, Peter Horachek — but Babcock has been able to hone the finished product.

“He’s a good player,” the coach said Monday, when asked to assess their time together. “I think tonight’s game was a little looser than I’d like it. In saying all that, those guys, Morgan (Rielly) and him, really get the puck going for us from the back. Jake is one of those guys who can just make plays, a real good hockey sense, knows where the puck is going next, a way better defender than people think.”

Babcock was concerned that the club’s penalty kill has been missing something with Komarov out of the lineup, first with an injury and then a planned scratch on Monday for rest. The Leafs have been burned five times the past three games.

Polak, who often kills penalties, was in the box for three minors versus the Sabres. Andreas Johnsson was plugged into the unit on Monday and fared well personally, also getting a power-play assist on an Auston Matthews goal.

“He’s been good for us,” Matthews said of Johnsson, the latest Marlie call-up. “He’s fast, he’s skilled, he’s smart, he makes plays. He definitely adds another dilemma (for Babcock’s playoff roster) on that line with his speed and skill. He can score and can beat you in different ways.”

Frederik Andersen will be back in net Thursday in New Jersey and for Saturday’s final game on the schedule against the Canadiens, so whatever starters Babcock might want to rest ahead of the playoffs, there will be stability in net.

“I think these next few games, the biggest thing is staying healthy and then playing good hockey and keeping your good habits,” Gardiner said. “Just be ready to go.”

lhornby@postmedia.com