Maple Leafs make two key roster announcements for Game 1 vs. Bolts

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here, and after a literal record-breaking regular season, the Toronto Maple Leafs understandably have more pressure on them than ever to advance past the 1st round for the first time since their victory over the provincial rival Ottawa Senators in 2004. 

Of course, they have a major obstacle in their way already, as they'll be going up against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, who have visions of becoming the 1st NHL team to three-peat since the New York Islanders of the early 1980's. 

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals is tonight at Scotiabank Arena, and Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has decided to make veteran forward Jason Spezza a healthy scratch, a decision he admitted wasn't easy. 

“It’s not easy," Keefe said. "You’ve got a veteran guy that wants to win as bad or more than anybody, and has given a lot here.”

In last season's series against the Montreal Canadiens, Spezza scored three goals with two assists. 

However, the good news for Leafs fans tonight is that forward Ondrej Kase will be making his return to the lineup, appearing in his first action since March 19. 

“I would have loved if things lined up that he could have played last week," Keefe said. "He just wasn’t comfortable at that point … He’s at the point now where he feels good and he feels comfortable.”

The Leafs and Lightning will get underway tonight starting at 7:30 PM EST.