Maple Leafs Practice Sees Two Absences and One Return Ahead of Must-Win Game 5

As Game 5 is set to take place from Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night, the Maple Leafs are going to be under a lot of pressure to get the win.

That pressure is felt from top to bottom in the lineup, and the team is going to need everybody to contribute. That's been a cause for concern lately, though there may be some underlying causes behind it.

They certainly need to get healthy, and while practice saw Oliver Ekman-Larsson absent, it seems that he's ready to go now after dealing with a brief illness.

It's the second Maple Leafs player to miss practice due to an illness, in what might be a sweeping case throughout the team's locker room.

However, the team did see two absences ahead of Game 5, that being Bobby McMann and David Kampf.

It was an optional skate, but the two are normally key participants so their absence is a bit concerning.

Ekman-Larsson also departed a bit early, opting to save whatever energy he has for Wednesday night's game.

While he was gone, Jani Hakanpaa stepped in, and while he isn't expected to play in the playoffs (and may never consistently again), it was positive to see him on the ice and getting some reps with more intensity.

The team really needs Ekman-Larsson if they want any chance to succeed this postseason. While he isn't outstanding, he has certainly added a grittiness and edge while also contributing offensively for a spell (4P; 2G, 2A).

Toronto's defense has been a bright spot this postseason, and while they haven't been perfect, it's hard to imagine how worse off they'd be without them.

Chris Tanev is a blocking machine (28 in 10 games), Simon Benoit is throwing his weight around everywhere (33 hits, but also adding 28 blocks) and Morgan Rielly is actually contributing, putting in his second highest point output in the playoffs.

Ekman-Larsson being out for Game 5 would have left a huge hole to fill for inexperienced players like Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers; while serviceable for sure aren't the veteran ilk of OEL.

Thankfully, Craig Berube confirmed that the defenseman would be suiting up for the team on Wednesday night.

McMann missing might not end up being the worst thing in the world, and while it's not a slight at his ability, his production leaves a lot to be desired.

In 10 games he only has one assist, a minus-3 rating and 16 PIM. He has been practically invisible and perhaps him sitting for a game could help Toronto a bit offensively (Nick Robertson incoming?)

Kampf has yet to play in the playoffs, and while Craig Berube likes to run with what's worked, he could help a lot.

Most importantly he can take defensive minutes away from Auston Matthews so he can focus on scoring; he hasn't scored since Game 6 against Ottawa and Game 5 might define his legacy depending on how he performs.

For now, we'll have to wait and see if McMann or Kampf end up playing, though it's more likely the former will opposed to the latter.

But Ekman-Larsson is back and ready to play. The team is going to need him too if they want to avoid heading back to Sunrise and seeing their playoff hopes dissipate as quickly as they came.