Player Safety Comes to Decision on Oliver-Ekman Larsson’s hit on Evan Rodrigues in Game 4
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Florida Panthers on home ice. After dropping two straight on the road, this game feels like as close to a must-win scenario as is possible in a Game 5 to shift momentum and get back on track in the series.
One player whose availability was in question is veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who had been dealing with an illness, but who also could have faced supplemental discipline after his questionable hit on Florida’s Evan Rodrigues, nailing the Panthers forward without the puck.
On the illness front, according to David Alter on X, there’s good news for Leafs fans:
“Oliver Ekman-Larsson is on the ice for the club’s optional skate after missing yesterday due to being a little sick.
Expected to play tonight.”
OEL has been a steady and reliable presence on the Leafs’ blueline throughout the season and playoffs, so his availability tonight is extremely useful to the team.
He contributes in all situations-5-on-5, power play, and penalty kill, and his veteran leadership has been a real asset to the Leafs in helping to stabilizing the D corps.He’s also chipped in offensively, tallying 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 10 playoff games so far, showing that he still brings two-way value.
In terms of his status for Game 5 after the hit on Rodrigues, with Player Safety not offering OEL a hearing yesterday by 5pm, it appears as though the league took a look at the hit and had determined that no supplemental discipline was necessary.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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Player Safety Comes to Decision on Oliver-Ekman Larsson’s hit on Evan Rodrigues in Game 4
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