Maple Leafs Plan Quiet Game 2 Lineup Shake-Up Ahead of Battle of Ontario Clash

As the Maple Leafs head into Game Two against the Ottawa Senators, their lineup isn't really showing a lot of changes, at least to the naked eye. It was the same lineup that Craig Berube put out in Game One; minus one small change.

About halfway through the first period, Max Domi found himself demoted to the third line, bringing in the stronger and more defensively savvy Pontus Holmberg to anchor the wing with John Tavares and William Nylander.

So it's unsurprising to see that he stuck with what ended up being a dominant and successful lineup for Game Two, with the only adjustment being that Holmberg is starting the game with Tavares and Nylander, and Domi gets to play with his old line of Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann.

Ottawa will counter with a lineup that will see Nick Jensen and Ridly Greig sit out, which is interesting given how much flak Greig has received for his Game One antics.

Game One was something of a spectacle at least in terms of physicality and intensity. The arena caught fire before the puck dropped, there was a total of 52 PIM between the two clubs, and we saw a fracas in the last minute that brought back memories of 2002.

Game Two will no doubt have the same intensity, but it's important for Craig Berube's team to stay disciplined and not get caught up in trying to enact any revenge for some of the unsavory actions the Senators were responsible for.

They ended up with three power play goals, and the addition of Holmberg up in the Top Six gives them a massive advantage given his ability to draw penalties and be strong on the puck.

Ottawa is gonna start panicking if they can't get the puck off his stick, and he'll gladly get tripped or hooked for the team (and maybe sell it a bit too). The team isn't that disciplined when it comes to keeping their calm, and if Toronto can still shut down the high danger chances; Ottawa is gonna be flustered all night.

The big question too as well, is how will the Core Four respond in Game Two? They combined for nine points, and while it was a refreshing change, are they able to sustain things throughout the series? What about Toronto's lack of scoring from Bobby McMann? Is he going to pick things up, and when it too late?

The team isn't perfect, but Berube is doing his best to make them as close to perfect as possible. If that involves Pontus Holmberg? So be it, just go out there and win the game regardless.