The Toronto Maple Leafs have excluded T.J. Brodie from the lineup for the first playoff game against the Boston Bruins, with Luke Fox of Sportsnet and Jonas Siegel of The Athletic indicating that Brodie is the odd man out on defense. The decision stems from the belief that a defensive lineup without Brodie provides the team with the best chance of success, especially given their poor playoff history against the Bruins.

• Rielly and McCabe are the assured defensemen for Toronto, with Rielly serving as the primary offensive threat and McCabe as a stalwart presence in defense.
• Benoit's inclusion is justified by his reliable defensive skills and physicality, earning trust from the coaching staff, while Edmundson brings veteran experience to the playoff scenario.

Brodie's exclusion may spark debate, particularly regarding the choice between Lyubushkin or Liljegren, but his inconsistent performances and lack of reliability have ultimately led to this decision.

• Rielly and McCabe are pivotal figures in Toronto's defensive setup, with key roles in offense and defense.
• Benoit and Edmundson are expected to play a crucial shutdown role, providing stability and physicality to the lineup.

With Brodie sidelined, the Maple Leafs will need their chosen defenders to step up and deliver strong performances in the upcoming playoff series against the Bruins.

The decision to exclude T.J. Brodie from the playoff roster underscores the team's focus on consistency and reliability in defense, highlighting the importance of dependable performances in high-stakes scenarios.