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Maple Leafs Make Important Lineup Decision Ahead of Pivotal Game 2 Against Panthers


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Ryan Smitheram
May 7, 2025  (1:31 PM)
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Ryan Reaves remains a scratch despite Sam Bennett's shenanigans
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Following an intense and controversial Game 1, the Maple Leafs have made an important decision with their lineup ahead of Game 2 against the Florida Panthers.

Thanks to Stolarz's injury, Ryan Reaves was a topic of conversation the past few days with many fans wanting Craig Berube to put him in the lineup for Game 2 Wednesday night, strictly for the purpose of seeking retribution against Sam Bennett for his elbow/forearm to the head of Stolarz.
Former Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill disagreed with the majority of Leafs Nation and it appears head coach Craig Berube does as well.
As the Leafs took to the ice for the morning skate on Wednesday, it was status quo during line rushes with Nicholas Robertson and David Kampf being the only extra forwards on the ice, meaning that both appear destined for the press box again in Game 2.
As such, it appears as though Craig Berube will run his same lines and D pairings on Wednesday, and will not insert Ryan Reaves into the lineup.
Despite the lack of production from the bottom-six, Berube is content sticking with what has worked, including the fourth line of Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton and Calle Jarnkrok, hoping that the consistency will lead to the Leafs taking a 2-0 series lead to Florida.
Morgan Rielly continues to shine with Brandon Carlo, while Simon Benoit and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have formed a reliable third pair that can play in all situations. This leaves Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev to take on the toughest assignments once again.
It's anyone's guess what the temperature will be in Game 2, but one thing is clear -- Craig Berube wants his team to make the Panthers pay on the score sheet. Otherwise, he may have dressed Reaves.
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MAI 7   |   3764 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs Make Important Lineup Decision Ahead of Pivotal Game 2 Against Panthers

Should the Leafs have dressed Ryan Reaves for Game 2?

Stupid of them not to60316 %
No, it's not worth it230061.1 %
Maybe Game 3 depending on the response86122.9 %
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