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With the Eastern Conference Finals set, @HockeyCrock checks in from practice as the #Marlies get back to work on Monday and prepare for the Phantoms.#MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/sfYzb9I9iK — Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) May 14, 2018

The team took Mother’s Day off and will stage a simulated game at 4 p.m. Tuesday, replicating the start time of Games 1 and 2, complete with referees and one period devoted to special team situation.

Forward Colin Greening, who won a Calder Cup with the Binghamton Senators in 2011, knows overcoming long breaks are just part of life.

“The younger guys have been great about it and we have a lot of resources here with our trainers,” Greening said. “Any time (this late) in playoffs, when you put the work in, then it’s always nice to be wearing shorts and sandals. It’s a fun time of year.”

SHANNY IN THE HOUSE

If the Marlies required more incentive to look sharp Monday, one glance in the stands would’ve sufficed. Leafs president Brendan Shanahan dropped by to talk with new general manager Kyle Dubas, in his first full NHL day on the job.

“It’s nice to have (Shanahan) around,” Keefe said with a grin. “To get guys buying in every day when they know people are watching. It’s a reminder they care about what’s happening here. That’s a benefit of playing this time of year, having so many eyes still on you.

“He’s made his presence felt more than you’d think the past few years. He’s at most games here that don’t conflict with the Leafs.”

Dubas was at the draft table when many of these Marlies were picked, which should make more of them feel confident at next year’s camp than if Shanahan hired an outsider.

“I think so,” said 2016 second rounder Carl Grundstrom, who has four goals and six points in nine playoff games to date. “It’s really good for Toronto to have a guy like him. It’s good he’s young (32), but age doesn’t matter, he’s good at what he’s doing.”