A lot of pressure is riding on this season as the Maple Leafs need to show they can be productive and success in the playoffs, a lot of people's livelihoods are relying on it.
Not only could another failed playoffs mean Kyle Dubas getting fired, it could also mean Auston Matthews leaves at the end of his contract.
Dubas took a big gamble this past offseason when he let fan-favourite Jack Campbell leave in free agency, and brought in Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray, who were both castoffs from their former teams.
Murray has been injured time-and-time again this season, and not so long ago after returning from injury, the Maple Leafs were playing the Detroit Red Wings and he was taken out from behind by Wings' Lucas Raymond, and has been out with a concussion ever since.
The Maple Leafs have some positive news though as Murray has returned skating ahead of game one:
Matt Murray has resumed skating in recent days, per Sheldon Keefe. A good sign in his recovery from a concussion.� Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 15, 2023
POLL | ||
Can the Maple Leafs beat the Lightning? | ||
yes | 126 | 64 % |
no | 71 | 36 % |
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