Maple Leafs Force Paul Maurice to Ice Panthers' Strong Lineup in Potential Playoff Showdown

With a crucial game ahead of them against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to ride that wave of momentum that has risen them to the top of the Atlantic, and with another win could pretty much solidify themselves as Atlantic Champions and have a deep playoff push.

Whereas Toronto is trying to push hard for the top, it feels like Florida is doing the complete opposite as they've repeatedly shown their hand and it's clear the team is tanking in order to set up a first round matchup with the Maple Leafs.

It's not too surprising then to see that perhaps Paul Maurice is a little scared of his old team, and might be trying to see how his team holds up in a potential first round series.

Although it looked like Sam Bennett would be playing, it's been revealed by Paul Maurice that he intends to rest him the remainder of the season in anticipation for the playoffs.

Maurice also revealed that Nico Sturm is more than likely playing their next game, and will also sit against the Maple Leafs but confirmed Sam Reinhart, Sasha Barkov, and Gustav Forsling will all play Tuesday.

It looks like Florida isn't going to pull a tank job against Toronto and have three of their top players once again in the lineup.

Whether it's fear that Toronto is suddenly a force to be reckoned with, or all part of Florida's plan, the addition of the three players is not going to make life easy for the Maple Leafs though we'll have to see how the actual game turns out.

It's not like the Maple Leafs can't handle the Panthers, although the last time they didn't face Barkov, who is going to be a defensive nightmare for the team if he's at 100%.

But they will be facing a weaker Panthers team given they don't have Bennett, and it'll be a true test for the team to see if they can keep Barkov from shutting them down

If we see them playing with a fiery edge and a pep in their step, it's a good indicator that the last couple instances was just a matter of resting players as opposed to forcing a series.

But if Toronto starts stomping all over the Panthers and Florida looks lifeless, there's a definite feeling that they've given up on the Atlantic and would much rather hedge their bets on a first round with Toronto (especially with Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad set to return for the playoffs).

Toronto has been very good as of late, and they have been able to not only put away the Panthers previously, but are showing signs of not taking the foot off the gas when given the opportunity.

That's a great sign for Tuesday night, but if the Leafs wanted to make things very interesting; they should sit a lot of their stars this time around.