When Bunting returned to the ice with the main group, skating as an extra, it appeared as though we could potentially see him in one of the final two games against Detroit or Boston. Now, it does not appear that that is the case.
At first, it sounded like a serious injury with Keefe saying he would be out a while. Then he felt good yesterday and today is skating. Keefe acknowledged his progress after the morning skate saying that Bunting would not play this week but he is progressing well. With only 2 games left in the regular season it doesn't make much sense for Bunting to play and he was likely going to be given one of the two games off as Keefe has been resting guys the last few games anyhow. So Bunting is effectively done for the season.
With the playoffs starting in early May, Bunting now gets a full week to rest and recover in the hopes of returning to the lineup for Game 1 against their most likely round 1 opponent in the defending Stanley Cup Champs.
POLL | ||
26 AVRIL | 723 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe shuts Michael Bunting down for the rest of the season How will the Leafs' round one matchup against the Bolts go? | ||
Leafs win in 6 or less | 347 | 48 % |
Bolts win in 6 or less | 96 | 13.3 % |
Leafs in 7 | 240 | 33.2 % |
Bolts in 7 | 40 | 5.5 % |
List of polls |