Maple Leafs Could Be Without Two Key Forwards vs. Calgary Flames, Craig Berube Confirms
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Craig Berube informed reporters that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be without two key forwards as they head into Tuesday's game against the last-place Calgary Flames.
Given that the Toronto Maple Leafs are already dealing with some injury issues early on, it's a good sign that practice saw the returns of some key players like Chris Tanev, William Nylander, and Joseph Woll.
While Woll won't be able to play until November (and it looks like they are taking their time with him) having guys like Nylander and Tanev back are incredibly important if Toronto wants to keep their momentum rolling.
Craig Berube Provides Injury Update on Nylander and Jarnkrok
With a game Tuesday against the lowly Calgary Flames, it looks like we are going to see one return to the lineup, however it also involves another coming out.
According to head coach Craig Berube on Monday, the team might be getting Nylander back against the Flames, but will not have the services of Calle Jarnkrok after he injured his foot blocking a shot:
A maybe is better than nothing, and it might be identical to what we saw on Saturday with Nylander warming up with the team and then figuring out if he is good enough to go before the puck officially drops.
They would love to have their leading scorer back that's for sure, and his 14 points already show that he is ready to step up and be that top line presence the team needs.
How Toronto Plans to Adjust Without Their Two Forwards
However if he does play it's likely he ends on his usual second line with John Tavares but will get Matthew Knies on his wing to hopefully open up more space and provide some protection.
Jarnkrok missing is a shame considering how solid he has been, and while the goal-scoring has slowed down, he is still a big part of the penalty kill and has shown new life after a full recovery from sports hernia surgery.
In his place it looks like we might see Sammy Blais coming in, and the rest of the lineup looks like much of the same from Saturday against Buffalo, including Easton Cowan getting another crack at getting his first career goal.
Toronto needs to come into the game strong and keep their foot on the gas against Calgary as they can't lose to the last-place team; that is going to make this exponentially worse.
But hopefully if Nylander is back in, it'll be easier to take care of Brad Treliving's old flame (no pun intended).
TRENDING NOW
