Sheldon Keefe Tries Out Unusual Lines at Practice

Despite a recent injury John Tavares sustained from Canucks defensemen Tyler Myers, he was put back in the lines at a practice today. The Leafs will be playing against the Oilers this weekend, but they are yet to announce the lineup.

Tavares was seen playing as the third-line center at practice, a spot he has never filled as a Leaf. Keefe is known for his tendency to change lines, but these lines seen at practice were rather odd.


Keefe seems to be happy with the Nylander-Lafferty-Jarnkrok line that dominated New Jersey in their last game. It appears he is keeping that line together for now, despite the return of Tavares. It may be a possibility that Lafferty will be moved down to the 3rd or the 4th line for the playoffs.


Holl, who is often criticized by fans, skated as an extra during this practice, meaning he will almost assuredly be a healthy scratch. Luke Shenn is still absent to due the birth of his third child. Simmonds appeared on the 3rd line with Tavares and Bunting, but we can only speculate whether or not he will play, he may just be serving as a placeholder.


Fans are curious what the lineup will look like for game one of the playoffs, but it is evident that Keefe is trying to work up a series winning lineup.

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