Michael Bunting rejoined the Toronto Maple Leafs after serving a three-game suspension for elbowing and interfering with Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. However, Coach Sheldon Keefe decided to keep Bunting on the bench, despite his talent and importance to the team. Keefe cited the chemistry and success of the current roster, which has won three straight games without Bunting, as the reason for his decision.
Keefe also praised rookie Matthew Knies, who replaced Bunting during his absence in the lineup. Knies’s “confidence and swagger” earned him a place on Toronto’s second line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Keefe’s willingness to move players around throughout the series contributed to Toronto’s success, including Game 4, where they trailed 4-1 in the third period before mounting a comeback to win 5-4 in overtime.
Toronto’s intention going into the series was to establish a comfortable rotation of all four lines, which Keefe believes they have accomplished. Bunting will have to wait for his chance to play again, despite being on Toronto’s top line for much of the regular season and scoring 23 goals and 49 points in 82 games.
Bunting expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he “never intended to hurt anyone out there” and that he texted Cernak after Game 1 to check in and wish him a speedy recovery. He remains focused on getting back into the lineup and making an impact for the team.
Although Keefe’s decision to keep Bunting on the bench may seem perplexing, it demonstrates the importance of team chemistry and cohesion in the playoffs. Burstiness, or the ability to quickly adapt and adjust to changing circumstances, has also played a significant role in Toronto’s success thus far. As they head into Game 5 against Tampa Bay, the Maple Leafs will need to continue to rely on their chemistry and burstiness if they hope to advance in the postseason for the first time since 2004.
Leave a Reply