Maple Leafs get a gift from Brandon Carlo against the Florida Panthers
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo has been out of the lineup for almost two months, although there has been increased speculation that he would be back soon.
Brandon Carlo has been a solid defensive partner for Morgan Rielly over the past year or so, and there is no denying that the Leafs prefer to have him on the roster.
Unfortunately, he has been dealing with an injury for a couple of months, and he even required surgery, which exacerbated the situation.
Over the past couple of weeks, Carlo has been back on the ice and has even been taking reps with Rielly, which suggests he's almost healthy and ready to return.
There was some speculation that he might return and play tonight against the Florida Panthers. As it turns out, that speculation has become reality.
Brandon Carlo will play against the Florida Panthers
While speaking to the media after morning skate, Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Carlo will be on the ice tonight against the Panthers.
He is taking back his spot alongside Morgan Rielly, and it remains to be seen whether or not the team is going to put him on a minutes restriction.
The Maple Leafs could not be getting Carlo back at a better time. Tonight, they play the Florida Panthers, and their next three games are against the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and Colorado Avalanche.
With four points separating the Leafs from a playoff spot, there is no doubt that they are happy to get healthier and bring their big guns back into the fold.
Of course, getting Carlo back is not a guarantee that they will win tonight, but it is certainly a good start, and something that will encourage the rest of the team.
Tonight is a big one, and Berube is going to have to get his guys prepared to play. Otherwise, they will only dig themselves into a deeper hole.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Maple Leafs lineup vs. the Panthers: Craig Berube makes an extremely unpopular change
Maple Leafs lineup vs. the Panthers: Craig Berube makes an extremely unpopular change
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 381 ANSWERS Maple Leafs get a gift from Brandon Carlo against the Florida Panthers Do you believe Brandon Carlo is enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs to defeat the Florida Panthers? | ||
| YES | 246 | 64.6 % |
| NO | 135 | 35.4 % |
| List of polls | ||