Max Pacioretty will enter the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs, replacing Nick Robertson for Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators.

Pacioretty took reps with Max Domi and Bobby McMann during Thursday’s morning skate, while Robertson and David Kampf were among the extras. Robertson took an undisciplined penalty in Game 2 and Berube is looking for an emphasis on physicality with the Maple Leafs holding a commanding 2-0 series lead

The 36-year-old last played on February 8 against the Vancouver Canucks.

“Veteran guy. Going into a game here, it’s going to be tough here. Big crowd, just wanted to make that change. Veteran guy, bigger guy, heavier,” Berube said of Pacioretty during Thursday’s media availability. “I mean, it’s tough for sure. He’s handled it very well. Things happen, you can’t control them. For sure he wanted to be there and play but he’s got the opportunity now. He works hard, he’s got that figured out for the most part. It’s not easy, he’s been around for a long time.”

Pacioretty recorded five goals and 13 points in 37 regular season games, where his positional flexibility proved to be an asset. There were no changes to the defence corps and Berube and the Maple Leafs appear confident heading into Game 3.

Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for Game 3. Stolarz has been in excellent form for the Maple Leafs, winning his past 10 starts dating back to the regular season.

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green wasn’t as forthcoming about his lineup changes, in what will be the most important game of his team’s season. When asked about what his team needs to do to improve, Green merely stated ‘play better’ before expanding.

“I’m not going to give you much until (the game),” Green responded, when asked about Fabian Zetterlund potentially switching spots with David Perron.

Green’s point of emphasis was staying out of the penalty box, as the Maple Leafs’ power play has scorched the Senators through the opening two games of the series.

“I think one thing we need to do is keep our emotions in control, it’s something we’ve talked about since the start of the series. I think we did a much better job in Game 2, staying disciplined,” Green said.

It’ll be compelling to see if Green has any last-minute changes, as the Canadian Tire Centre home crowd will be looking to give the Senators a lift, although the building is expected to be packed with Leafs fans. Ridly Greig and Nick Jensen did not practice for the Senators.