The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the Montreal Canadiens with a lean lineup, icing only 17 skaters and five defencemen due to injuries. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, and David Kämpf will miss the game, putting pressure on the remaining players, particularly the forwards, to support the defence. Coach Craig Berube acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the importance of teamwork. A win for the Leafs would secure home-ice advantage for the playoffs, making the stakes even higher despite the limited roster.

As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for their upcoming matchup, the injury statuses of key players are under scrutiny. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that forwards William Carrier, Jordan Staal, and Andrei Svechnikov participated in practice, but their availability for tonight's game remains uncertain. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who tweaked something during Saturday's practice, has no update on his status. Staal, sidelined for four games due to a lower-body injury, and Svechnikov, missing the last two games with an upper-body issue, are both hopeful for a return. Additionally, defenseman Jalen Chatfield may rejoin the lineup.

The Florida Panthers are also dealing with injury concerns, with Nico Sturm expected to return after an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are managing injuries to Matt Rempe and K'Andre Miller, with Rempe working to regain strength after an upper-body issue. The Philadelphia Flyers have their own set of injuries, with Sean Couturier possibly just taking a maintenance day. The Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk has not yet returned to skating after an upper-body injury, while the Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Jake McCabe and David Kampf for their Florida trip due to undisclosed and upper-body issues, respectively.

In a commanding performance, William Nylander recorded two goals and two assists, spearheading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a decisive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. John Tavares, also stellar, added two goals and one assist, with contributions from Bobby McMann, David Kampf, and Max Domi. This win marks a troubling sixth straight loss for the Flyers, who struggled against a Toronto team that dominated the second period with four goals.

Nylander's second goal of the night was significant, as it clinched his 40th goal of the season, making it three consecutive seasons he has achieved this milestone. Tavares extended his scoring streak, showcasing the offensive firepower of the Maple Leafs. The Flyers, now 1-8-2 in their last 11 against Toronto, find themselves in a deep slump as they prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens next.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are unlikely to pursue buyouts for players Max Domi, Ryan Reaves, and David Kampf. With specific cap hits and partial no-trades complicating matters, the team appears set for the upcoming season. John Tavares is expected to sign a 2-4 year extension, potentially mirroring Joe Pavelski's past contract with the Dallas Stars. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues may consider trading Brayden Schenn if they seek to reshuffle their core, but his hefty contract and age could deter offers.