All indications are that Michael Bunting will be back in the line-up tonight.

Toronto must be very nervous right now. Its field hockey team had the chance to advance to the second round for the first time since 2004 on Thursday, but failed, obviously…

The Leafs will still have another chance to bounce back tonight in Tampa Bay.

But if the Lightning were to win tonight…

In game five, despite being back from his three-game suspension, Michael Bunting was left out. After all, Toronto won all three games in his absence.

Now, tonight, everything points to his return to action. He was on the ice at the same time as his team-mates and did not go into overtime.

He was even practicing his bunts in practice… Did he watch too many Blue Jays games during “his time off”?

He must be thrilled to be back in the game and helping his team win, but he’ll have to be careful. After all, he injured Erik Cernak, who is still not back in the game. He’ll be skating with a target on his back, as the saying goes.

Another change to the line-up: Justin Holl should make way for Timothy Liljegren, who hasn’t played since April 13 against the New York Rangers. He scored in that game.

Holl’s absence is sure to please Leafs fans. In the Queen City, the right-hander isn’t universally appreciated, and with good reason. The guy is horrible defensively and is literally the worst player in the playoffs.

Mark Giordano isn’t having his best series either… Speaking of the veteran defenseman, he skated with his teammates. Remember that in the last game, he left momentarily for the locker room after a check by Pat Maroon.

Matthew Knies, who also left for the dressing room for a few moments in Game 5, was present at morning practice.

The stage is set, then, for the long-awaited duel between Toronto and Tampa Bay. Will Sheldon Keefe’s team finally put their demons to rest?

In gusto

– Sheldon Keefe won’t confirm anything.

– Notice to interested parties.

– Lots of interesting topics in this paper.

– Signing in Pittsburgh.

– He’s clearly one of the best players in the NHL.