The Maple Leafs have some “game-time” roster decisions for Game 5 tonight, as coach Craig Berube denied there was a bug going through the room.
Things sure did seem odd at the optional morning skate as the Leafs prepared for the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Arena.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who missed Tuesday’s practice due to sickness, was present and is available for tonight’s game. But David Kämpf, who has been a healthy scratch and would typically be expected to skate with the spare players, was not present.
Meanwhile the rest of the Black Aces — the healthy scratches who would normally stay out for longer skates — all left the skate early, suggesting they are conserving energy. Those include Nick Robertson, Ryan Reaves, Alex Steeves, Philippe Myers, Dakota Mermis and Jani Hakanpää.
Inquiring minds wanted to know what was up.
From a distance, it’s easy for the rest of us to see what has gone wrong for the Leafs since Game 2.
From a distance, it’s easy for the rest of us to see what has gone wrong for the Leafs since Game 2.
“Game-time decisions,” said Berube. “We got decisions. It was an optional skate this morning. And we’ve got some decisions to make.”
It was pointed out that not just Ekman-Larsson, but also backup goalie Matt Murray had missed time due to sickness, and Berube was asked if there was a bug going through the room.
“Nothing’s going around,” said Berube.
Time for Robertson?
Berube has stuck with the same group of forwards and defencemen since the third game of the first round. If there’s a player likely to get in, it might be Robertson, who played the first two games against the Ottawa Senators.
He has shown a propensity for scoring in his first game back as a healthy scratch this season, and the Leafs need offence.
“He’s pretty good at that,” said Berube. “It does (affect our thinking) but it doesn’t. It just depends on what we need and what we think is going to help the team.”
Robertson has four goals and two assists this season in games where he returned from being a healthy scratch.
Pivotal game
Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who hasn’t played since an elbow to the head in Game 1, worked with assistant coach Curtis Sanford before Tuesday’s practice.
Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who hasn’t played since an elbow to the head in Game 1, worked with assistant coach Curtis Sanford before Tuesday’s practice.
Tonight’s winner will be in the driver’s seat according to the NHL’s statistical record. The all-time series record of teams that win Game 5 when a best-of-seven series is tied 2-2 is 237-62 (a .793 winning percentage).
Still no Stolarz
There remains no timeline for Anthony Stolarz (suspected concussion) to return to action. And whether he’ll be ready for Game 6 or a potential Game 7 is not something Berube has been worried about, especially with Joseph Woll playing so well.
“I’m not really thinking about that yet,” said Berube. “Not there yet. So we’ll see how everything goes and where he’s at when he gets there and where we’re at as a team. Our goalies, it’s not something I’m really thinking about right now.”
On tap for Game 5
-The Maple Leafs hold a record of 4-1 on home ice in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The last time the franchise recorded at least five home wins in a post-season was 2004 (5-2).
-Matthew Knies (eight goals, six assists for 14 points in 24 playoff games) can tie Frank Mahovlich for the fourth-most career playoff goals by a Maple Leafs skater at age 22 or younger. The list is topped by Ted Kennedy (20), Auston Matthews (12) and Wendel Clark (11).
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