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Evan Rodrigues' Fate Revealed Ahead of Game 6 In Florida

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Julien Trekker | Last updated May 16, 2025 1:56 PM ET

The fate of Evan Rodrigues ahead of Game 6 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers has been revealed.

In Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Finals opposing the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Florida Panthers, Leafs' defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson landed a dangerous hit on Evan Rodrigues, forcing the reliable forward to leave the game.

Referees reviewed the play and assessed a minor two-minute penalty to Ekman-Larsson. As for Rodrigues, he left the ice and hasn't returned to the lineup since.

If you missed the controversial hit that took out Rodrigues from the game, check out how it went down in the video below:

In Game 2, Rodrigues was also forced to retreat to the locker room after a questionable hit from Scott Laughton in the neutral zone.

After the collision, the Panthers forward remained on the ice, and referees called a penalty for embellishment on the play.

If the Panthers veteran was already injured, Ekman-Larsson's hit potentially caused even more damage, which is why he won't be in uniform tonight.

Rodrigues remains out of the lineup for Game 6

The Panthers will have an opportunity to eliminate the Leafs in six games tonight, but a new development suggests the team will need to do it without Rodrigues.

Indeed, Rodrigues stayed out late on the ice this morning for the team skate, indicating that the veteran forward won't be in the lineup for tonight's game:

The Panthers' incredible depth will serve them well, as it did all season long, and in the playoffs as well. They showed that they can win despite holes in their lineup in Game 5, by beating the Leafs 6 to 1.

As for the Leafs, they must absolutely bring the same energy they had earlier in the series if they want to keep their season alive.

Who do you think will win?

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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