Toronto Maple Leafs mulling over some last-minute lineup changes
The Toronto Maple Leafs have trotted out a largely similar lineup this postseason, but that could be changing on Wednesday night.
With Toronto hosting the Florida Panthers in a pivotal Game 5 second-round matchup at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening, Leafs head coach Craig Berube is holding his cards close to his chest.
Nick Robertson (who played the first two games of the playoffs) and Max Pacioretty (who has played the last eight) have been the only Toronto regular skaters to not suit up in all 10 games so far.
TSN’s Mark Masters suggested that Toronto’s David Kampf could make his playoff debut, having not played in over a month but still regularly skating with the team on their off days.
Kampf was injured on April 2, coincidentally in a home game against the Florida Panthers, but was absent from his usual spot at the team’s morning skate today, often reserved for players not in the lineup.
Asked what kept David Kampf off the ice this morning, coach Craig Berube said it's an optional skate & they have decisions to make @TSN_Sports
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) May 14, 2025
Toronto stormed out to a 2-0 series lead against the defending Stanley Cup champions, winning both games last week on home ice. But Florida returned the favour, picking up wins in Games 3 and 4 to even the series at two games apiece.
Here’s the forward group that Toronto trotted out for Game 4 on Sunday night:
- Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
- Max Pacioretty-John Tavares-William Nylander
- Bobby McMann-Max Domi-Pontus Holmberg
- Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok
While Oliver Ekman-Larsson missed Tuesday’s practice, Berube confirmed to reporters that Ekman-Larsson would be playing on Wednesday, also per Masters.
And here’s how their defensive pairs lined up:
- Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
- Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
- Simon Benoit – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
With Anthony Stolarz being injured in Game 1 of the series against the Panthers, Joseph Woll is once again expected to be Toronto’s starter, with Dennis Hildeby his expected backup.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EDT at Scotiabank Arena.