The Maple Leafs’ lineup ahead of Game 5 against the Panthers

The series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers is tied 2–2 heading into Game 5 tonight. The Maple Leafs are arguably coming off their worst game of the playoffs, losing 2–0 in Game 4. The only bright spot was Joseph Woll’s performance, which the Maple Leafs are relying on Woll to help lead them past the Panthers.

The Maple Leafs held an optional practice on Tuesday, however, it turned out to be quite a full practice. An optional skate was held on Wednesday morning, with Craig Berube saying there will be “game-time” decisions that are not injury-related. So it seems that the Maple Leafs’ starting lineup and/or line combinations may be in flux.

Assuming the lineup is the same as the practice yesterday, here is the expected Maple Leafs’ Game 5 lineup:

Forward lines

Matthew Knies–Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner
Max Pacioretty–John Tavares–William Nylander
Bobby McMann–Max Domi–Pontus Holmberg
Steven Lorentz–Scott Laughton–Calle Jarnkrok

Defence pairs

Morgan Rielly–Brandon Carlo
Jake McCabe–Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit–Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Goaltenders

Joseph Woll
Matt Murray

Ekman-Larsson was absent from practice yesterday due to an illness. However, it is expected that he will be in the lineup for Game 5 tonight. Losing Ekman-Larsson would not have been ideal before a pivotal playoff game. Ekman-Larsson adds an element of physicality and puck-moving that the Maple Leafs’ defence corps needs.

Berube’s substitution options are likely David Kampf and/or Nicholas Robertson. Given the lack of scoring in the bottom-six, and with Auston Matthews clearly playing through an injury, some were thinking that Robertson would draw into the lineup.

However, Robertson’s game does not translate to how Berube has set up his lines these playoffs so far. Kampf makes sense as he can take face-offs and is an effective penalty killer. This could help alleviate the penalty kill minutes taken by Matthews.

The Maple Leafs have yet to lose on home ice to the Panthers in this series, and with the last change, Berube should get the key matchups he wants. It’s expected that the Matthews line will go head-to-head against the Barkov line, as this line has neutralized the Barkov line in Games 1 and 2. 

But no matter the matchups, it is going to be a tough game. Fans are expecting a rebound game from the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs, after having worked hard to claim first in the Atlantic Division, have an opportunity to push the Panthers to the brink of elimination. Let’s see if they can do it.