### Toronto Maple Leafs Face Injury Challenges as Playoffs Approach As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, they are confronted with significant injury challenges. With only two games remaining, the team is on the brink of securing the top spot in the Atlantic Division, needing just one point to clinch it. However, they will be without key players Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and David Kampf for their upcoming match against the Buffalo Sabres. McCabe has been sidelined since April 2 due to an undisclosed injury, while Kampf is dealing with an upper-body injury sustained in the same game. Ekman-Larsson, who has been a vital part of the defense, is also day-to-day with an injury sustained on April 9 against the Tampa Bay Lightning [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/leafs_practice_report_mccabe_ekman_larsson_kampf_absent_from_morning_skate_in_buffalo/s1_15332_42055235][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/craig_berube_wont_confirm_but_expects_oliver_ekman_larsson_to_return_for_game_1_of_playoffs/s1_15332_42055360]. ### Injury Impact and Team Strategy 1. **Current Injury Status**: - Jake McCabe: Out since April 2, expected to return before the end of the regular season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jake_mccabe_ruled_out_vs_canadiens_hurricanes_expected_to_return_before_end_of_season/s1_15332_42037527]. - Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Day-to-day, missed the last two games, but coach Craig Berube is hopeful for his return in the playoffs [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/craig_berube_wont_confirm_but_expects_oliver_ekman_larsson_to_return_for_game_1_of_playoffs/s1_15332_42055360]. - David Kampf: Out due to an upper-body injury, also sustained during the April 2 game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jake_mccabe_david_kampf_will_miss_leafs_next_two_games_due_to_injuries/s1_15332_42016409]. 2. **Defensive Lineup Adjustments**: - The Maple Leafs will have to adjust their defensive pairings, potentially playing with only five defensemen against the Sabres [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/maple_leafs_down_two_d_men_as_they_battle_canadiens/s1_16454_42041462]. - Coach Berube has indicated that this situation may accelerate the finalization of the playoff lineup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/recent_wave_of_injuries_may_force_berube_to_finalize_leafs_playoff_lineup/s1_15332_42041268]. 3. **Playoff Implications**: - The absence of Ekman-Larsson, a key player with playoff experience, could significantly impact the team's performance in the postseason [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/craig_berube_wont_confirm_but_expects_oliver_ekman_larsson_to_return_for_game_1_of_playoffs/s1_15332_42055360]. - The team’s ability to secure a top playoff position is critical, and injuries at this stage could hinder their chances [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6272972/2025/04/11/maple-leafs-5-defencemen-injury]. ### Key Statistics and Player Contributions - **Jake McCabe**: 2 goals, 23 points in 66 games; a crucial part of the defensive lineup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jake_mccabe_ruled_out_vs_canadiens_hurricanes_expected_to_return_before_end_of_season/s1_15332_42037527]. - **Oliver Ekman-Larsson**: 4 goals, 29 points in 77 games; known for his physical play and experience [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/maple_leafs_oliver_ekman_larsson_to_miss_game_against_canadiens/s1_16958_42037523]. - **David Kampf**: A reliable forward whose absence will be felt in the lineup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jake_mccabe_david_kampf_will_miss_leafs_next_two_games_due_to_injuries/s1_15332_42016409]. ### Conclusion: Navigating Challenges Ahead In summary, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a critical juncture as they approach the playoffs, with injuries to key players posing a significant challenge. The team must adapt quickly to these changes to maintain their competitive edge. 1. **Injuries to McCabe, Ekman-Larsson, and Kampf could hinder playoff performance**. 2. **Defensive adjustments will be necessary, potentially leading to a less stable lineup**. 3. **The team's success in securing a top playoff position is now more uncertain**. The Maple Leafs will need to rally together and leverage their remaining games to solidify their playoff strategy while hoping for the timely return of their injured players [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/leafs_practice_report_mccabe_ekman_larsson_kampf_absent_from_morning_skate_in_buffalo/s1_15332_42055235][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/craig_berube_wont_confirm_but_expects_oliver_ekman_larsson_to_return_for_game_1_of_playoffs/s1_15332_42055360].