BOSTON — Mike Babcock wouldn’t reveal his hand on Wednesday morning.
There were indications during the morning skate at TD Garden that forward Leo Komarov could find his way back into the lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins, as Komarov switched off with Andreas Johnsson on fourth-line rushes and took part in some penalty-killing drills.
Babcock wasn’t confessing to anything, however, saying only he had made his final decision on the lineup. Babcock also wouldn’t say Nazem Kadri will be between Patrick Marleau and Mitch Marner, as Kadri was in that spot during the skate.
Tomas Plekanec was between Johnsson/Komarov and William Nylander. Komarov has not played since he suffered a left leg injury in Game 2.
Guesswork aside — at least on the part of media and other observers — the Leafs weren’t wringing their hands with concern hours before the win-or-go-home game.
“I think it’s more of a nervous excitement,” Auston Matthews said. “Just get ready to go out there and play hockey. Not really nervous. In a good way, I think it’s a good nervous.”
Rather than than get mentally bogged down with the stakes at hand, Mitch Marner said he spend some time on his phone, checking Twitter and watching others play the video game Fortnite.
“Just get my mind off hockey,” Marner said. “Not think about it at all. Most guys know me as pretty light. I don’t like to focus until 10 minutes before the game.
“I have always stayed light. Just part of me. If I get too serious too far away from a game, my mind gets tired a little bit. Just enjoy the moment, when time comes, be ready.”
A loss and the Leafs would return home after the game and steel themselves for a summer of wondering what might have been had they won.
It’s a confident Leafs group that will try to improve the franchise record to 13-10 in Game 7s. The Bruins are 13-12.
Toronto has won the past two games of the best-of-seven series after going down 3-1.
“As a team, I have learned we have no quit,” Marner said. “No matter what, this team does not back down from anything.
“We’re always ready for a task. We have another one tonight. I think that is the thing I have really noticed about is. No quit and we want to be the best.”
What’s crucial, from Babcock’s view?
“We have to play with discipline,” Babcock said. “Two games ago we spent way too much time in the (penalty) box. You want to come out and be poised and execute early. I think that’s critical to have in success. Scoring first, I think, is real important as well.
“There are only certain moments in your life that turn into memories. This is one of them right here tonight. Make it a great memory. We have an opportunity here today to enjoy ourselves, to embrace the situation, to play well, to play hard, we’re capable. Let’s do that.”
The Bruins have a similar mindset.
“The chips are all on the table, and it’s do or die,” forward David Backes said.
“We have to get the results and finish plays off when we get those looks.”