Smolinski tore a knee ligament April 3 and was declared out for the playoffs. But early this week, fitted with a special brace, he was able to resume skating. If Smolinski can go, Coach Andy Murray will be able to use him with Glen Murray and Craig Johnson on what could be an effective two-way line. Martin Brodeur has not lost in his past nine starts against Florida, but facing the Panthers' Pavel Bure in April is another story. Bure has been extraordinary in the playoffs, scoring 32 goals in 34 games.
Bure is especially dangerous late in matches.
Half of his league-leading 58 goals this season came in the third period, including a pair of hat tricks. Hossa was devastated by the accident. But another incident between the Leafs and a current member of the Senators is more likely to set the blood boiling in the Battle of Ontario. In December, when he was still with Pittsburgh, goalie Tom Barrasso chopped Leafs center Yannic Perreault, breaking his arm. Perreault, one the NHL's best face off men, missed 23 games.