Craig Berube inserts Pezzetta into the lineup as desperate head coach pressures team for more physicality
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Craig Berube wants more fire so he added Michael Pezzetta and pulled Calle Jarnkrok meanwhile the rookies are rolling. The Maple Leafs are about to be seriously motivated against the one team they can't afford to beat.
With the Boston Bruins facing them in the frosty confines of TD Garden, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to try and put in a competent performance, and try to keep their former prized prospect off the scoresheet; a lot easier said than done.
Berube pulled Jarnkrok for Pezzetta: Toronto is about to play with too much passion at the worst possible time
But with Craig Berube seeing a lifeless effort last game wants more fire, and that led to the team taking out Calle Jarnkrok and replacing him with Michael Pezzetta:
Also to note, Morgan Rielly comes back into the lineup after sitting out last game just as a way to shuffle the lineup meanwhile Oliver Ekman-Larsson (who left practice Monday) is set to come in.
Anthony Stolarz also gets the call in a positive sign that he's alright after a shot to the throat, but it's a wonder why the team isn't giving a stronger look at Dennis Hildeby and resting Stolarz.
Based off the lines yesterday, this is what fans can expect for Tuesday's tilt:
Cowan - Tavares - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Robertson
Maccelli - Groulx - Joshua
Lorentz - Quillan - Pezzetta
Knies - Domi - Robertson
Maccelli - Groulx - Joshua
Lorentz - Quillan - Pezzetta
Rielly - Carlo
McCabe - Ekman-Larsson
Benoit - Stecher
McCabe - Ekman-Larsson
Benoit - Stecher
Stolarz
Pezzetta coming in to add some fire is going to be great and it's clear that Berube values the passion of Pezzetta over the reserved Jarnkrok; and for good reason. Pezzetta will drop the gloves with anyone and if Toronto wants a spark, they certainly have one in the lineup.
Cowan and Groulx deserve their minutes...just not too many productive ones against Boston
It's great to see Cowan up on the first line meanwhile we also need to keep an eye on Bo Groulx and see if he can keep up his torrid pace since being recalled.
But they have to be careful. As much as this is still an audition for next year, there's still a chance that a hot streak could lead into more wins, which would end up really messing with Toronto's draft chances.
Not to mention if they do it against the Bruins, they are going to just simply hand them more opportunities for that top-five pick they gave them in the Brandon Carlo deal.
You want to see passion and effort out of guys like Cowan and Groulx as they are likely going to factor into the lineup next season but there has to be some balance. Let them get their minutes and show what they can offer, but don't rely so heavily on them if they are doing well.
You want a fighting team and that's why Pezzetta is back in the lineup. It's unlikely Cowan and Groulx are fighting for a spot next year, but it never hurts to impress.
Though they shouldn't be looking to be the centre of attention because it will draw away from the fact that Boston is right around the corner looking to pounce on every chance to mess with Toronto yet again.
The Maple Leafs are about to be their own worst enemy tonight. Michael Pezzetta will fight and Easton Cowan will create. Meanwhile, Boston will quietly thank them for every point taken.
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Dach, Guhle, Reinbacher named in the leaked Matthew Knies trade rumor with Toronto
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 24|1259 ANSWERS Craig Berube inserts Pezzetta into the lineup as desperate head coach pressures team for more physicality Does Craig Berube have a problem with the Maple Leafs tanking? | ||
| Yes obviously | 910 | 72.3 % |
| No he's just old school | 349 | 27.7 % |
| List of polls | ||