Craig Berube says Oliver Ekman-Larsson is game-time decision vs. Golden Knights, Brandon Carlo expected to play

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have avoided having a bad situation turn even worse. After Oliver Ekman-Larsson left Wednesday night’s 2-1 overtime loss against Detroit in the first period with an apparent lower-body injury, the 34-year-old was on the ice during the Maple Leafs’ morning skate before hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Ekman-Larsson is being listed as a game-time decision for Friday night’s contest. During the morning skate, Ekman-Larsson was partnered with Jake McCabe, who played a game-high 28:09 during Wednesday’s loss. Ekman-Larsson leads all Maple Leafs defencemen in points with 31 on the season.

“Oliver will be a game-time decision,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said. “He’s looking pretty good, which is huge for us.”

The Maple Leafs’ blue line has taken hit after hit this season, dealing with the injury bug, but Ekman-Larsson has been the only regular defenceman to not miss a game this season, playing in all 50 regular-season tilts to this point. Berube touched on the durability that Ekman-Larsson has shown this season.

“I think first of all, you’ve got to want to play through things, everybody’s banged up, it’s just a mindset and choice that you play through it,” Berube said. “He’s definitely one of those guys. He’s been doing it since I’ve been coaching him here. There’s a number of things that he goes through throughout the year, but he fights through it.” 

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported on Thursday that there was concern that Brandon Carlo, who played 20:58 on Wednesday, also tweaked an injury. Carlo was paired with Morgan Rielly during the Leafs’ morning skate. When asked about any lineup changes besides the Ekman-Larsson game-time decision, Berube was quick with his response.

“No. All good,” Berube said about any other potential injuries. 

Carlo has already missed 23 games this season, due to a foot injury that became infected, which ultimately required surgery. The 29-year-old returned on January 6 and has totalled four assists to go along with a plus-three rating in 27 games played this season. 

The good news for the Leafs comes as the team is still without Chris Tanev, who is dealing with a groin injury. The 36-year-old has only appeared in 11 games this season, totalling two assists. 

Puck drop set for 7 p.m EST at Scotiabank Arena.