The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for a pivotal Game 5 against the Florida Panthers, trying to hold home-ice advantage after losing back-to-back games of late.
On Sunday’s 2-0 loss in Game 4 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Leafs were outshot 37-23 and blanked for the first time in the second round.
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Following two consecutive losses that allowed Florida to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said that he’s open to making adjustments.
“We will talk about it. We will look at a couple of different options for what is best for the team,” Berube said about potential line changes. “We have a couple of days to think about it and see if we feel that it is a better option.”
The Maple Leafs gained momentum quickly in the series, kicking it off with two wins over the Panthers in the two games played in Toronto.
After that, with the series shifting to Florida, a narrow overtime loss in Game 3 was followed by Sunday’s shutout in and now the pressure is back onto the Maple Leafs as they will try to defend their ice in Game 5.
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Berube acknowledged that the team’s physical play has been effective at times, but emphasized the need for smarter decisions and avoiding penalties.
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) talks with Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95), Morgan Rielly (44), Matthew Knies (23) and Mitch Marner (16) at Amerant Bank Arena.Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
“We don’t need to take those [stick penalties], the hooking, and the interference. We will be smarter than that,” Berube said. “In the end, I really liked our physicality and (competitiveness) out there. The guys played hard.
“It is a tough series. They are a very good team. We know that. It is a battle.”
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with puck drop set at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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