The Bruins didn't want to reveal their starting goaltender and the Maple Leafs didn't want to go into the mysterious absence of William Nylander.
The Bruins didn't want to reveal their starting goaltender and the Maple Leafs didn't want to go into the mysterious absence of William Nylander.
BOSTON — William Nylander was unexpectedly absent from the Toronto Maple Leafs' first practice of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. So it was understandable when Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked about the player's absence.
Keefe mentioned that both he and forward Bobby McMann, who also missed practice, were held out and were "possibilities" for Game 1 against the Boston Bruins, but later added he's been given a message not to say much.
"Tree's (Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving) made pretty clear to me, there's not going to be any daily injury updates or anything like that," he said. "Our guys are available and that's it."
When asked if it was an injury or illness keeping Nylander out, Keefe held firm.
"Like I said, the guys are available. That's all you're going to get."
It's not surprising that Keefe is electing to keep some information under wraps during the postseason. It is interesting though that he made a point to mention that he was explicitly given a directive.
The Bruins are also playing a bit of gamesmanship with their lineup as they refused to reveal whether Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark would start in goal against the Maple Leafs.
"Did we reveal ours," Max Domi asked when questioned about Boston's strategy. "There ya go. Welcome to the playoffs."
At practice, the Leafs looked as though they were bracing for the strong possibility that Nylander would not be in the lineup for Game 1. Calle Jarnkrok, taking part in his first full practice since sustaining a hand injury in mid-March, took regular reps on Toronto's top power-play unit in place of Nylander. Nick Robertson, who had been on the outside looking in at a nearly fully healthy lineup, did not stay out late after practice as he usually would when he isn't projected to play.
In addition to the injuries, Keefe's silence on the any lineup changes extended to TJ Brodie as the veteran appeared to be scratched for Game 1 based on practice.
"I haven't made any lineup decisions that we'll talk about here," Keefe insisted. "But we've got lots of good options on defense."
It'll be interesting to see if the Leafs hold to not saying much throughout the series. It's not clear how effective it will be for either team with so much intel that can be gathered from practices. Both head coaches are under a tremendous amount of pressure to have success. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery needs his club to get past the first round after a disappointing exit to the Florida Panthers last year. The pressure Keefe is feeling is expected. He was granted a lifeline to return after Treliving, installed to replace former GM Kyle Dubas, elected to retain Keefe and extend him.
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William Nylander and Bobby McMann Remain 'Possibilities' for Maple Leafs in Game 1 Against Bruins
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