Michael Bunting finally addresses the hit on Erik Cernak in Game 1 that got him suspended

As we all remember so vividly, Bunting was given a stiff suspension because of his hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak in Game 1. The major penalty turned the game upside down as the Lightning scored twice and had a commanding 6-2 lead heading into the final frame.

Since then, the Leafs have played a more sensible style of playoff hockey and because of it, they have put their Atlantic Division rival on the brink of a short spring and a long summer.

It's not every day that you see a playoff team scratching a 20-goal scorer but there are many wrinkles to this decision: 1) the Leafs are winning and you don't mess that up in the playoffs unless you have to, 2) Matthew Knies has played very well for a rookie coming out of college on the big stage, 3) Bunting has had several run-ins with his coaching staff this season about treading the line and it seems like it hasn't really sunk in until now.

He talked about his suspension and what it felt like watching the team from afar instead of being able to help them on the ice:

"Watching's stressful. Very stressful up there. I'm obviously not able to have control of the game. It's almost worse. I was more nervous watching than playing. But the guys have responded great. Three in a row, that's unbelievable. I'm just trying to be a great teammate, cheer the boys on, help any way I can, and not be a distraction."

Sheldon Keefe on his decision to bench Bunting:

"We're comfortable with the group that's won three games in a row. He will get back in. It's just not going to be tomorrow."

Bunting mentioned how he reached out to Cernak following the game but wishes to keep the details private:

"I never intend to hurt anyone out there, and that's not my game. I played over eight years, 500 games in pro, and I've never had a suspension. So, yeah, that's not my game."

"I wish him the fastest recovery. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a great defenseman. He plays hard. He plays the game right. We've butted heads a few times. It's very unfortunate what happened. Obviously, I never want to see someone get hurt and miss games. I just tried to create space for myself. I was kind of expecting contact from him, but that time he wasn't going in for contact, and the rest happened."

Perhaps he'll get his chance back on the ice if the Leafs fall in Game 5 or maybe sometime in the second round if the Leafs can pull off the unthinkable on Thursday night and actually eliminate the Bolts in 5. However, as things stand right now, the pending UFA is the 13th forward.