Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has confirmed to reporters that striker Michael Bunting will return to the squad for Game 2 of the first round of the series against Tampa Bay Lightning.
Bunting will take the place of the eliminated Kyle Clifford in the only change from the group that the Maple Leafs led in match 1.
Michael Bunting will play Game 2 tonight for #leafs.
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2022
Striker William Nylander is good to play after missing team training on Tuesday. The 26-year-old revealed that he was involved in food poisoning during Game 1, which he said was the result of “bad sushi”.
William Nilander reveals that he was dealing with food poisoning on Monday … vomiting … thinks it was bad sushi
I missed a workout yesterday to save energy… now I feel much better @TSN_Edge @BarDown
– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) May 4, 2022
The 26-year-old Bunting will skate in his first playoff game in Game 2.
“A player like Bunts is made for the playoffs,” Keefe said Tuesday. “He plays a lot of games from the regular season, as if they were playoffs. This makes it successful. He plays with a higher level of intensity all the time. That leveled off a bit during the playoffs because others are bringing their game forward, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bunts have another level to reach. “
Bunting, who was injured against the Florida Panthers on April 23, scored 23 goals and 63 points in 79 games in the regular season.
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