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Game #7: Maple Leafs may be forced to send Max Pacioretty on the 1st line
Félix Forget
Game #7: Maple Leafs may be forced to send Max Pacioretty on the 1st line
Credit: Last night, the Maple Leafs played the game we never expected them to play. The club seemed to be on the verge of collapse after three straight losses… but they picked up a big win on the road to force a Game #7. No matter what happens in Game #7, seeing the Leafs win that […]
Last night, the Maple Leafs played the game we never expected them to play. The club seemed to be on the verge of collapse after three straight losses… but they picked up a big win on the road to force a Game #7.

No matter what happens in Game #7, seeing the Leafs win that game shows a lot more character than in recent years.

And yesterday, the first line found a way to shine. Auston Matthews, who scored the first second-round goal of his career yesterday, stepped up at just the right moment, as did Mitch Marner, who picked up an assist on that goal.

However, the third member of this line also caused a stir, but for more worrying reasons. Matthew Knies suffered an injury late in the first period after being checked by Niko Mikkola… and was seriously inconvenienced.

He finished the game, but clearly wasn’t 100%. Above all, he skipped his turn on several of his usual line’s shifts.

Now that he’s back, there’s a good chance he’ll play in Game 7… but if he can’t be there, the Leafs will have to find a new winger for Matthews and Marner. And according to Joshua Kloke, the most realistic option is Max Pacioretty.

Yesterday, Pacioretty scored the insurance goal for the Leafs. He’s having a great series, and his physical involvement (yes, yes) means he could do well alongside Matthews and Marner.

He probably won’t be the only option considered (Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson could also get that role), but keep an eye on the former Habs captain if Knies can’t play on Sunday… or has a reduced role.

But obviously, for the Maple Leafs, it would be ideal to have Knies in the lineup. The 22-year-old forward is a vital part of Toronto’s line-up… and in a game #7 that could quickly become physically intense, a guy like Knies can make the difference.

Of course, that’s if his health allows him to make that difference.

But in a game #7 where the Panthers are likely to come out on fire, the Maple Leafs will need to take their game up a notch once again. If they don’t, Brad Marchand will be happy to take his career record against the Leafs in Game #7 to 5-0.


Overtime

– Some Leafs fans must regret burning their jerseys after Game 5, hehe.

– Owen Beck is developing his versatility in Laval.

– Carter Bear avoided a major Achilles tendon injury.

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