What happened to Oliver Ekman-Larsson during the Red Wings game?

Oliver Ekman-Larsson exited Wednesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period after getting tied up with an opponent, causing his lower body to buckle.

How does Ekman-Larsson's injury affect the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff chances?

Ekman-Larsson's potential absence is a significant blow to the Leafs' defense, exacerbating existing injury concerns and potentially jeopardizing their tight grip on a wild-card spot.

Are there other key players injured for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Yes, besides Ekman-Larsson, William Nylander is still out with an unspecified injury, and forward Matthew Knies is playing through an ailment.

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Ekman-Larsson Injury Casts Shadow on Leafs' Playoff Chase

22 Jan

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Summary

Ekman-Larsson exited Wednesday's game after a collision, raising injury concerns.
The Leafs suffered a 2-1 overtime loss, impacting their playoff positioning.
Multiple other Leafs forwards and defensemen are also dealing with injuries.

Ekman-Larsson Injury Casts Shadow on Leafs' Playoff Chase

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing mounting concerns for their playoff chances following a mid-game injury to key defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Ekman-Larsson exited Wednesday's matchup against the Detroit Red Wings during his fifth shift after a collision, a departure that loomed large over the subsequent 2-1 overtime loss.

This latest setback highlights the precariousness of the Leafs' playoff chase, as they continue to grapple with a wave of injuries. William Nylander remains out with an unspecified injury, while forward Matthew Knies is playing through his own ailment. Defenseman Chris Tanev is also considering surgery for a groin issue.

The loss to the Red Wings, their fourth in five games, allowed Detroit to sweep the season series and further tightened the Eastern Conference wild-card race. The team's inability to convert chances and a costly overtime mistake underscore the challenges they face.