Chris Tanev's Injury Status Officially Confirmed by Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube
The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into Colorado for a must-win game, but they will once again be without Chris Tanev according to head coach Craig Berube.
With the Maple Leafs looking to make a statement after the NHL Trade Deadline, they head into Colorado to take on the Avalanche in a must-win game for the losers of their last two games.
They've had to deal with some injuries, as is par for the course this season, but Chris Tanev's is of utmost importance. He's been the glue that's held the Maple Leafs together and with his absence, the team feels lacking that defensive x-factor.
Well, unfortunately for the team, he's going to miss another game according to head coach Craig Berube.
It's a really bad sign for the Maple Leafs as they initially feared the worst when it came to Tanev, but then was relieved when it didn't appear serious. Missing five games is starting to get serious, and Toronto needs him healthy in order to be as successful as they have been.
This season, Tanev has 17 points (2G, 15A) while doing his usual shot-blocking with 151 stoppers in 57 games and is in the first year of his six-year deal he signed with Toronto in the offseason.
What Does This Mean For Toronto?
It means Toronto is going to need newcomer Brandon Carlo to come in and pull his weight immediately. While he won't be with Tanev's partner Jake McCabe, no doubt will the two be paired together on the penalty kill; and it's imperative he does what he's done all season; shut opponents down.
Given that Craig Berube relies so heavily on Tanev isn't the best thing given his injury, but it's better to be safe than sorry and it's a heck of a lot better deploying Carlo than Conor Timmins; though the team doesn't have to worry about him anymore.
It also means Toronto is going to be in tough against a Colorado team that added a bunch of pieces and is looking to keep their playoff hopes secure.
We'll see how Toronto does without Tanev yet again as they face the Avalanche, from Ball Arena on Saturday night; puck drop is scheduled for 7PM ET.
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