Another day of morning skates for the Toronto Maple Leafs brings more updates on their duo of injured players, who are both ruled out for Game 5 against the Florida Panthers tonight but making progress in their recoveries. This morning, The Hockey News’ Mike Stephens relayed that netminder Ilya Samsonov was skating on his own this morning, practicing in isolation with Toronto’s skills coaches.
This is Samsonov’s first practice since sustaining an upper-body injury two games ago when Toronto defenseman Luke Schenn collided with him whilst defending a rush. While signs are pointing to Samsonov not being out much longer, Toronto’s season can end at any point, down 3-1 in their series. In the meantime, the starter’s net is filled by rookie Joseph Woll, who stopped 24 of 25 shots in a must-win Game 4 road win on Wednesday.
- Rookie forward Matthew Knies is also practicing for the first time today since his concussion in Game 2 of the Florida series, says The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel. Knies was injured on a play behind the net, forced to the ice by Panthers forward Sam Bennett. While he won’t play tonight, Knies’ status is day-to-day and he hasn’t been ruled out for a potential Game 6 on Sunday.
- The Hockey News’ David Dwork believes forward Ryan Lomberg is doubtful to return to the lineup in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, should they advance. Lomberg has not played since Game 4 of the First Round against the Boston Bruins and is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. The physical winger had already racked up 18 penalty minutes through four games, 14 of which game in Game 2.
.I remember when Chris krider slammed into Cary price in the playoffs he left and was never the same really. I believe that’s what started Carey’s knee problems
Let’s spin the wheel and see what dirty play Bennett and Gudas will do tonight. My guess is a slew foot or knee on knee to one of the core 5
As long as it leads to a FLA victory. Then the laffs will have plenty of time to heal before they play again.
The most disturbing thing heard on the TSN 1050 side tonight was Bonesy hinting at the possibility of this being their last time working together at the end of the game. And, I don’t think it was the usual “until next season”, either, since that wasn’t stated. That would be terrible.
Can we say the Maple Leafs choked yet? To soon?