Craig Berube said on Tuesday that several players within the team have been battling the flu bug early this season.
Craig Berube said on Tuesday that several players within the team have been battling the flu bug early this season.
One of the biggest questions heading into Wednesday's Toronto Maple Leafs game is whether William Nylander will play.
The forward missed practice on Tuesday due to illness, and when asked about his status going into their matchup against the L.A. Kings, head coach Craig Berube said his status was still up in the air.
"He'll be a game-time decision," Berube said. "We'll see how the day goes for him. I think there's improvement. Hopefully, he's better later and able to play."
Toronto's lineup will look somewhat different if the 28-year-old isn't healthy enough to play. Max Domi could shift to the third-line center spot with Bobby McMann and Max Pacioretty on his wings, while John Tavares, who also had the illness, remains centering the second line with Pontus Holmberg and Nick Robertson.
"Max has been playing really good hockey. Bobby as well. But I think Max has been, when he went to center, started feeling it a bit," Pacioretty said of playing with McMann and Domi.
"Bobby's a big, strong body who definitely can create some time and space out there. So two very good players. And, yeah, it'd be nice to play them."
If Nylander is out of Toronto's lineup, Pacioretty could also see some time on the Maple Leafs' top power play unit. It's possible we won't know Nylander's status for the game until the team takes to the ice for warmups.
Where To Watch
Wednesday's game will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet in Canada. You can catch the game on ESPN+ and Fubo Sports+ in the United States.
Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
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