As the holiday season arrives, the Toronto Maple Leafs likely have a healthy lineup at the top of their wish list.
Injuries have plagued Craig Berube’s club for weeks now and it’s gotten to the point where eight forwards are currently sidelined after Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. With a tough test looming against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night, the Maple Leafs could use some good news to end the week.
Although the team’s medical situation has been far from ideal, Toronto fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the team’s latest injury update.
TSN’s Mark Masters is reporting that injured forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies fully participated during Friday’s practice. The pair lined up alongside William Nylander on the first line, creating optimism that they’ll be healthy enough to face the Lightning.
Having Matthews and/or Knies back in the lineup would be a huge boost for the Maple Leafs after scoring one goal on 24 shots in Wednesday’s loss to the Panthers
Matthews hasn’t played a game since Nov. 3 due to an upper-body injury. A brief medical-related trip to Germany on Nov. 19 sparked some fear that the Maple Leafs captain’s injury was worse than expected, however, his increased practice participation since then indicates those worries were overblown.
“When he’s got the puck, even at practice, he’s making plays like he’s same old same,” Toronto forward Steven Lorentz said about Matthews on Wednesday. “That would be a huge boost (to the team), obviously, but we’ll take it day-by-day and see what happens.”
Meanwhile, a controversial hit led to Knies suffering a head injury during a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Nov. 20. Fortunately, the 22-year-old winger’s status has improved with each passing day, leading to him ditching his non-contact jersey at Thursday’s practice.
Even though the Maple Leafs have found some success in the duo’s absence, they’re a better team when Matthews and Knies are healthy. More will be revealed about their situation closer to tomorrow’s Atlantic Division showdown.
Saturday’s Maple Leafs vs. Lightning clash will air live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.
