Maple Leafs Officially Bench Forward After Costly Penalty in Game 2 vs Senators

Despite being up 2-0 in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs still have room for improvement in their lineup, and now appear poised to address such issues with a roster move ahead of game 3.

According to the Leafs projected lines, Max Pacioretty is appearing to be replacing Nick Robertson in the Toronto lineup on the third line.

Sportsnet's Luke Fox first reported that Pacioretty was skating in place of Nick Robertson, an indication that a swap between the two was likely going to happen.

The move comes as reports suggested that Max Pacioretty, who was rumored earlier in the series to be working back to a return for the playoffs after injury, was looking likely to be active for the Leafs in Game 3, appearing to be replacing Robertson.

Robertson, who has a point in two games, had a high-sticking penalty in game 2 that led to an Ottawa goal from captain Brady Tkachuk.

The 23-year-old has struggled in the past few years with being scratched due to inconsistency and poor decision making which has continued to be a concern with Robertson.

Pacioretty, 36, returns for the first time since February due to injury.

Pacioretty has five goals and 13 points in 37 games for Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs add a proven veteran in Pacioretty who has long-term experience and provides a locker room presence, but will need to provide the offense that was lacking from Robertson.

Beyond Pacioretty and Robertson, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to field the same roster that so far has managed to dominate the Ottawa Senators early, looking to sweep in their local rivals home ice.