There is mainly good damage news for the Maple Leafs and particularly Blue Jackets heading into Sunday’s decisive Activity 5 (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN livestream). The Blue Jackets owning Zach Werenski in the lineup towards the Maple Leafs for Video game 5 is the greatest little bit, but there is a lot more.
[NBC 2020 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF HUB]
Werenski, Murray, Korpisalo in for Blue Jackets in Recreation 5
Considering how considerably poor harm information the Blue Jackets absorbed in 2019-20, it will have to be refreshing to get some constructive updates for Recreation 5.
- Maybe most importantly, Zach Werenski is in.
The offensively-gifted defenseman skipped the Maple Leafs’ blistering Activity 4 comeback, together with extra time. So it was honest to wonder if Werenski could fit up for the Blue Jackets from the Maple Leafs in Activity 5.
Now, it’ll most likely be honest to question if Werenski is at whole-power. Which is the mother nature of the beast throughout the postseason, pandemic or not.
On just one hand, Murray has not contributed actually anything offensively. (He has zero points, and just a single shot on purpose.) On the other, Murray had been primarily breaking even all-all-around in this collection. Murray’s anticipated to pair up with Dean Kukan in Activity 5.
The team’s site signifies that John Tortorella explained that Elvis Merzlikins might be hurt, so probably it is not that intriguing? Korpisalo commenced the series on a robust be aware, but the Maple Leafs received to him rather a little bit far more as it went alongside. We’ll see how Korpisalo and the Blue Jackets react to that amazing Video game 4 loss, and the stress of facing the Maple Leafs in that decisive Match 5.
Maple Leafs may well get Muzzin back quickly — just not vs. Blue Jackets in Sport 5
From the Maple Leafs’ viewpoint, excellent news hinges on beating the Blue Jackets in Recreation 5.
Jake Muzzin isn’t anticipated to enjoy in Game 5, as expected. If the Maple Leafs can win on Sunday, they may possibly get Muzzin back at some level.
Muzzin will never play tonight but if Leafs advance he need to be completely ready for following spherical. https://t.co/eVuXcrMUDo
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 9, 2020
There’s a opportunity the Maple Leafs could get Andreas Johnsson for Sport 5, by the way:
A likely advancement hrs before Video game 5: The #leafs have activated Andreas Johnsson off wounded reserve.
You can find been no confirmation that he is participating in — and this would be in advance of agenda pursuing his February knee medical procedures — but Johnsson is now suitable to dress.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 9, 2020
That’s wonderful if Toronto can progress, but which is an monumental if. Assume a great deal of drama on NBCSN on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. (Once again, you can watch it are living here.)
(8) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (9) Columbus Blue Jackets (Collection tied 2-2)
Sunday, Aug. 2: Blue Jackets 2, Maple Leafs (recap)
Tuesday, Aug. 4: Maple Leafs 3, Blue Jackets (recap)
Thursday, Aug. 6: Blue Jackets 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT) (recap)
Friday, Aug. 7: Maple Leafs 4, Blue Jackets 3 (OT) (recap)
Sunday, Aug. 9: Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs, 8 p.m. ET – NBCSN (livestream)
A lot more:
• 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Qualifiers timetable
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James O’Brien is a writer for Professional Hockey Speak on NBC Sports activities. Fall him a line at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.
