Maple Leafs recall Clifford and 7 others from the Toronto Marlies
Photo credit: Sportingnews.com
In a strategic move typical of NHL postseason tactics, the Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their roster by recalling Kyle Clifford and seven other players from their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, just ahead of their crucial Game 6 showdown against the Boston Bruins. This decision follows the Marlies' recent exit from the AHL playoffs, a series marked by a controversial incident involving Clifford.
The Marlies' playoff journey ended earlier this week at the hands of the Belleville Senators, with a moment that caught significant attention: Kyle Clifford's altercation with Senators forward Boko Imama during the post-game handshake. The incident, which has sparked discussions within the hockey community, can be seen in more detail here:
Joining Clifford in the call-up are Topi Niemela, Alex Steeves, Mikko Kokkonen, Nick Abruzzese, Max Lajoie, Dylan Gambrell, and Dennis Hildeby. While the Leafs' primary motive for these recalls is to supplement their practice squad—allowing regular players more flexibility with optional skates—these moves are finely tuned to maintain the team's readiness without altering the competitive dynamics.
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For those less familiar with NHL practices, such recalls are standard procedure once a team's AHL affiliate is no longer in playoff contention. This ensures that the NHL squad remains primed for action, especially in high-stakes scenarios like the playoffs.
Notably, Kieffer Bellows remains off the list due to the specifics of his NHL contract, highlighting the strategic nuances of player eligibility and team needs.
As for the game itself, the Leafs are expected to field the same lineup that secured them a victory in Game 5 in Boston, with hopes high for replicating that performance to force a decisive Game 7.
This approach hinges significantly on the status of star player Auston Matthews, whose presence could be a game-changer for Toronto.
While the fresh faces from the Marlies are unlikely to see playoff action, their presence at practices is crucial, ensuring the team remains sharp and cohesive as they aim to extend their playoff journey.
As the Leafs prepare to take the ice tonight, all eyes will be on whether their strategic depth moves will translate into a performance strong enough to sustain their postseason ambitions.
Previously on MapleLeafsLatest
| POLL |
2 MAI | 233 ANSWERS Maple Leafs recall Clifford and 7 others from the Toronto Marlies Who has been the Leafs best player so far in the series against Boston? |
| Max Domi | 100 | 42.9 % |
| Matthew Knies | 85 | 36.5 % |
| Tyler Bertuzzi | 32 | 13.7 % |
| Other | 16 | 6.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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