It does seem like the playoffs without a stomach churning Game Seven for the Maple Leafs. I think 2023 was the only year the Leafs avoided one for both better and worse, but they are yet to see one break their way in the past couple of decades. I guess the question remains, “why not the Maple Leafs?” and after seeing what the best of the Leafs can look like in Game Six and what the worst of the Leafs can look like in Game Five, the better question is “which version of the Leafs will show up?”

The Leafs have picked up all three of their wins this series with Jarnkrok and Holmberg in the lineup and the stick with what works philosophy is the go-to decision for an NHL head coach. It seems likely that changes aren’t coming and honestly, I’m not sure you can blame Craig Berube if he goes that route.

On the other hand, Calle Jarnkrok hasn’t made a case for staying in the lineup and Nick Robertson has a history of triumphant returns to the lineup, including one this series.

Both bring something very different to the lineup and Lorentz and Laughton have had better moments with Jarnkrok but what is best for the fourth line might not be what is best for the team at large. Even in strong performance in Game Six, beating Bobrovsky wasn’t an easy task and adding a goal scorer like Robertson who will face weaker competition in sheltered situations could trump chemistry.

Whatever Berube decides it will likely be criticized despite the fact that heading into Game Seven the merit for each player can be seen.

My meaningless opinion is that Robertson’s greater ability to be a factor warrants him getting the final spot.

For the better part of a decade the Leafs have chased down veteran players to bring that level of experience to big playoff games. While Jason Spezza might not have helped the team produce meaningful results he gets points for trying, but in reality, Max Pacioretty might be the Leafs biggest veteran playoff success story.

I’m writing about this largely to eat some crow for my previous Pacioretty takes and my feeling on veteran additions in the playoffs in general. Injuries left a lot of rust on Pacioretty this year and once that rust was worn off, he has absolutely shown up in meaningful ways for the Leafs in the playoffs and isn’t in fact standing in the way of players like Robertson and Bobby McMann. Bobby McMann is standing in Bobby McMann’s way these playoffs.

I’m not sure that you can put high expectations on Pacioretty in any situation, but at the same time he seems like a player that will show up with a full blown effort in Game Seven and set the right example.

If I’m Craig Berube, I’m probably looking to play Pacioretty as much as possible in the early part of the first since even when he isn’t getting offensive looks, he’s been one of the best Leafs at finishing their checks.

As I write this, the certainty of Knies playing in Game Seven is in question. That’s a pretty big deal and if he dresses, the Leafs likely need to at least have contingencies for if he’s not at 100%. Max Pacioretty is certainly an option to get some top line looks, as is Bobby McMann.

I’d argue that Scott Laughton might be another player worth taking a look at on the top line and could bring the right level of feist, and finishing ability to Matthews and Marner.

Laughton frequently rode in the passenger seat alongside some of the Flyers top offensive producers, both to bring a bit more defensive responsibility and to establish a forecheck. And while it hasn’t been tested in Toronto, it should be an intriguing option that allows Pacioretty’s success with the Tavares unit to continue and doesn’t leave Toronto relying on a timely resurgence from Bobby McMann.

If Matthew Knies is out, Nick Robertson is the obvious choice to come into the lineup for him, but additionally there might still be some value in bringing in Kampf over Jarnkrok at this point. If the Maple Leafs want to try some of their depth centres like Domi, Holmberg, or Laughton in top six roles, having another capable centreman would make sense.

The Leafs have already put up their best playoff showing since the Quinn era, as depressing as that might be. The Panthers are a strong team and the defending Stanley Cup Champions, and there is no shame in losing this series. Heads can be held high even if it still very much seems like there is work to be done.

As close as they would have come, if they lose, there still needs to be a serious look at the way the Leafs are built and a respectable playoff showing shouldn’t eliminate asking tough questions from the Leafs offseason. I’d say that hold if the Leafs win as well.

As much as the Leafs winning and advancing to the Conference Finals seems like a difficult idea to manifest for some of us overly negative people, there is an equally strong possibility it is the outcome of Game Seven, and I have to say that playing non-Atlantic Division opponents creates a lot more optimism for the “Why not the Leafs?” movement.

At the very least this is the biggest and most important game the team has played in a long time, and it will be equally fun and nauseating to feel all the feelings.