Craig Berube Reveals the Likelihood of Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Return for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs Craig Berube has touched on the likelihood of Oliver Ekman-Larsson's return with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the immediate horizon.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't expected to have defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson available for their final game of the regular season, but head coach Craig Berube has put the minds of Leafs fans at ease regarding his post-season status.
Speaking with reporters this week, Berube indicated that he expected Ekman-Larsson to play in Game 1 against the Senators, but that if he can't, someone else will have to fill the void.
"That is a good question. I mean, I expect him to play, but you never know. He is tough. He will play through things. If he is not in the lineup, someone else is going to have to step up. That is the bottom line. That is part of the playoffs."
In his 1st year with the Leafs, after leaving the Stanley Cup champion (and divisional foe) Florida Panthers, Ekman-Larsson has 29 points (4G, 25A) in 77 games.
Meanwhile, Berube spoke about the need for the Leafs to continue working on their identity with the critical postseason right around the corner.
"You are always trying to work on your identity. That hasn't stopped throughout the season. It is always something we focus on in terms of how we want to play the game with our identity. The guys have done a good job of it."
With a regulation win against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs clinched 1st place in the Atlantic Division, but they're not done yet. They'll conclude their schedule against the Red Wings on Thursday.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 3160 ANSWERS Craig Berube Reveals the Likelihood of Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Return for the Maple Leafs Will Oliver Ekman-Larsson be in the lineup for Game 1 against Ottawa? | ||
| Yes | 2216 | 70.1 % |
| No | 944 | 29.9 % |
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