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The Toronto Maple Leafs fell short in Game 1, losing 5-1 to the Boston Bruins and racking up their fifth playoff loss in the past six games dating back to last season.
But in Game 1, it was the mysterious injury that kept William Nylander out turned out to be the main storyline.
Heading into Game 2, Nylander still holds the spotlight for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keeping his injury in mind, here is what the Maple Leafs are likely to roll out in Game 2:
Toronto Maple Leafs projected lineup for Game 2
Forwards
- Tyler Bertuzzi-Auston Matthews-Max Domi
- Matthew Knies-John Tavares-Mitch Marner
- Nick Robertson-Pontus Holmberg-Calle Jarnkrok
- Connor Dewar-David Kampf-Ryan Reaves
Defensemen
- Morgan Rielly-Ilya Lyubushkin
- Simon Benoit-Jake McCabe
- Joel Edmundson-Timothy Liljegren
Goalies
- Ilya Samsonov
- Joseph Woll
Nylander, goaltending among questions facing Toronto Maple Leafs lineup for Game 2
William Nylander took part in morning skate for the Leafs on Monday. However, the 27-year-old forward did not participate in line rushes or power-play drills and remained on the ice after the session ended with other players expected to be scratched in Game 2.
“We’ll see how he feels here the rest of the day here and make a decision,” Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said.
If the 40-goal scorer cannot go, the Leafs are expected to roll the same forward lines and defense pairings as Game 1, including leaving Nick Robertson in the lineup.
In goal, the Toronto Maple Leafs had some issues in Game 1. Ilya Samsonov has not had a great season, finishing with a save percentage below .900. And he did not have a great first game of this series.
In Game 1, Samsonov and the Leafs allowed the first four goals. They found themselves trailing 4-0 in the second period despite holding the advantage in shots on goal and finished the game outshooting Boston 36-25.
It is unlikely that Keefe pulls Samsonov after just one game. But how long can the Toronto Maple Leafs go before the decision needs to be made? Down 2-0? On the ropes at 3-0? We will have to wait to find out. What we do know is that they will need better goaltending to have any shot at Game 2.
Game 1 was filled with physicality and post-whistle shenanigans. But it didn't make the Leafs better. In fact, it potentially pulled them away from their game and allowed Boston to take over.
Roll Matthews, Domi, Tavares and Marner and try to get up 1-0, something that could significantly change the Toronto mindset.
