Key member of the top six a game-time decision, could miss tonight's game against Florida
When Tyler Bertuzzi missed his first practice as a Leaf on Wednesday, there was a certain element of concern growing among the loyal fans within Leafs Nation. The Sudbury, ON native has a lengthy injury history and some were concerned that he may be in line to miss some time.
Sheldon Keefe poured some cold water on that idea after yesterday's practice when he informed the media that it was simply a maintenance day for Bertuzzi and implied that we shouldn't read too much into his absence.
As we approach puck drop in tonight's game against the Florida Panthers, however, Bertuzzi is being listed as a game-time decision - though Keefe has once again emphasized that the plan is for him to play. Obviously, this means that there is something ailing Bertuzzi and that he could indeed miss the game if he doesn't feel quite right during the pre-game skate.
Bertuzzi has really begun to fit in with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on a very dangerous top line for the Leafs. If he does miss tonight's game, it could mean that the Leafs will go with an 11F/7D setup, like they did on many occasions last season. If that ends up being the case, Simon Benoit could make his Leafs debut tonight. However, everyone is hoping that Bertuzzi will be given the green light to play tonight.
