The Toronto Maple Leafs made a statement in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will look to follow it up with another win in Game 2 of their NHL Playoffs first-round series. The Leafs will be getting a big boost on offense ahead of the clash as star rookie Michael Bunting will be making his series debut after missing Game 1 through injury, according to Lance Hornby.
Hornby reports that Maples Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe informed reporters on Wednesday morning that the team expects Bunting to skate in Game 2. His absence didn't slow Toronto down in Game 1, as they managed a 5-0 rout of the defending champions on their home ice.
With Kyle Clifford suspended for Game 2 after his illegal hit on Ross Colton just moments into Game 1, Toronto won't have to make any difficult decisions regarding a roster move to facilitate Bunting's return. It could stand to reason that Bunting would also replace Clifford on the roster going forward, though no announcement has been made in that regard. Clifford managed just 46 seconds on the ice in Game 1 before being ejected for his dirty hit on Colton. The NHL Department of Safety subsequently suspended him for Game 2, the first time in his 12-year career he's been suspended.
Bunting's return to the ice will be another boost to the high-octane offense of the Maple Leafs. After struggling to break through in Arizona last season, the 26-year-old rookie has enjoyed a tremendous year in Toronto. In 2021-22, Bunting recorded 63 points, scoring 23 goals and assisting 40 across 79 games.
With the Leafs hoping to take care of business in each of the first two games at home, getting Bunting back could go a long way towards achieving that goal.
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