Maple Leafs make a notable power-play change involving John Tavares
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs decided that John Tavares is best suited for the second power-play unit on Saturday as they try to keep their strong power-play going.
It was a really rough time for the Maple Leafs' power-play this season. Struggling since the beginning of the year, they sat in last place heading into Christmas without a clear answer going forward.
They fired Marc Savard and hired Steve Sullivan in his place and by gum has it been night and day. Since Sullivan was hired, the Maple Leafs have gone 5-14 on the power-play, finding themselves from 31st to 25th and while it's not amazing; it's much more respectable.
John Tavares tasked with helping the second PP unit
However it seems like with the return of William Nylander to the lineup, the Maple Leafs are going to see how he can help the top unit which means someone needs to drop down -- and it was the former captain this time.
John Tavares was bumped to the second unit alongside Max Domi, Nick Robertson, Nicholas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
It's not a huge deal and it doesn't feel like Tavares is going to hold any resentment towards the decision but it is a little bit odd considering that although he's slowed down since the start of the season; he's still lethal on the man advantage.
Berube trying to keep status quo open upon Nylander's return
It came down to Craig Berube; who felt his lineup was doing well and that a refreshed and healthy Nylander could help boost them even more -- and didn't want to take out Matias Maccelli:
It's tough decisions, right? Again, Willy's coming back, I like what Maccelli's done. I like Knies in the bumper right now, and I love the rotation with Nylander and Knies in the netfront, bumper.
It just gives us more options there. And again, they're tough decisions that we got to make, but I spoke with John about it and he's a good team guy, and he's fine. He can be really effective with the other unit, too.
It just gives us more options there. And again, they're tough decisions that we got to make, but I spoke with John about it and he's a good team guy, and he's fine. He can be really effective with the other unit, too.
Tavares may have been demoted to the second unit however that could also benefit him given who is on it.
Right now, Robertson and Roy are on fire offensively and the addition of Tavares only adds another scoring threat to a group that's really coming together.
You have OEL as well who can really turn things up (and has) meanwhile for all his criticisms this year Max Domi has picked it up as well.
So while it may seem like an injustice to move Tavares down the lineup, especially when he's been so good but as the ultimate team player all he's focused on is helping the team where he can whether that be on the second line or the second power-play unit.
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JANVIER 10|934 ANSWERS Maple Leafs make a notable power-play change involving John Tavares Will John Tavares' demotion help or hurt his season? | ||
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