Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri Delivers Impact In Game 5 Return

The Toronto Maple Leafs got a huge boost from Nazem Kadri after his return from suspension

Nazem Kadri made the most of his return to the lineup after a three-game suspension by helping the Toronto Maple Leafs avoid elimination in a 4-3 Game 5 victory.

He delivered an assist, four hits, a blocked shot and finished with a plus-minus rating of +1. It wasn’t his best game of the season, but it was the exact type of game the Maple Leafs needed from one of their key players.

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The center played on Toronto’s fourth line along with Andreas Johnsson and the struggling William Nylander. Coach Mike Babcock elected to keep Tomas Plekanec as the second line center where Kadri normally plays. It was a move that paid off immediately.

Midway through the first period, Kadri took a stretch pass from Jake Gardiner before entering the offensive zone. He then delivered a beautiful backhand pass to Johnsson for Toronto’s second goal. The pass threaded the needle between two Bruins defenders and Johnsson would capitalize on the opportunity.

This offensive play highlighted how much the Maple Leafs missed Kadri in their lineup. Although the 27-year-old can be his own worst enemy at times, there’s no denying his offensive talents and developing two-way game were greatly missed in his three-game absence.

One of Toronto’s biggest strengths entering the series was their depth at center with Kadri, Plekanec, along with Auston Matthews and Tyler Bozak. However, once Kadri was suspended the team lost one of their greatest strengths and one of their best players.

The move by Babcock to keep Plekanec as the second line center and move Kadri to the fourth line also helped cement the team’s ability to roll four lines. It didn’t matter which line was on the ice in Game 5. Every Maple Leafs line was threatening offensively as a member of each line picked up at least one point in the victory.

Without Kadri in the lineup, the Maple Leafs weren’t able to roll four lines that felt dangerous by any means. Although Dominic Moore is a hardworking player, he simply can’t do the things Kadri does, which is why it was such a massive blow to the Maple Leafs when Kadri was only able to play 14 minutes in the first four games of the series.

On top of his offensive talents, Kadri’s ability to impact the game in other areas were on full display. He blocked a shot in the second period with the back of his leg and managed to turn it into an offensive opportunity by skating past the Bruin who initially shot the puck. This wouldn’t be the only time throughout the game he’d throw his body around.

Most would think coming off a three-game suspension Kadri would play a more tame game and not toe the line of going over the edge. That wasn’t the case as Kadri delivered four hits and often found himself as the center of attention when scrums would form in the corners or between plays. He also came dangerously close to cross-checking Jake DeBrusk in the head but never made contact. The close call earned him a conversation with the referee who essentially told him to smarten up.

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By throwing his body around, playing a strong defensive game, and chipping in offensively, Kadri showed just how big a void was created through his absence. There’s no doubt his suspension hurt the Maple Leafs’ chances of winning the series but if he can deliver a repeat performance in Game 6 it could go a long way in helping to force a Game 7.

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