Maple Leafs' Top Six Forward Group Set for Playoffs After Impressive Performances
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found their secret weapon come playoff time, as a new line has found some very quick chemistry leading to a lot of success.
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs creep up on the Maple Leafs, it's not too much time to get things figured out. It seems like Craig Berube always has some changes to make right before the game, but it seems that he's recently found some good success.
But he may have found something better than just success, he could have found something that brings the team a lot closer to the Stanley Cup, and it involves a line that doesn't get too much attention (at least compared to the others).
The trio of John Tavares, William Nylander, and Bobby McMann had a game on Thursday night, combining for seven points, a plus-9, and 11 shots; pestering New York all game and being a menace throughout the whole 60 minutes.
Toronto's Newest Line Shows Deadly Threat Come Playoff Time
It was also a game that saw John Tavares score his 1,100th point, an incredible milestone that shows not only the longevity, but consistent production over his 16-year NHL career.
It's a deadly combination of veteran leadership, elite offensive awareness, and the finishing prowess of both McMann and Nylander that led Toronto against the Rangers, and if Craig Berube should keep them along for the ride and not mess with anything; it could lead to huge results.
The three have a combined 164 points (86G, 78A) while going plus-19, 293 hits, and a blistering 627 shots; they have the all the credentials to succeed long-term, and it could end up leading Tavares to sticking around for a bit cheaper knowing he can helm things with such a great line.
They have speed, they have physicality, the creativity is off the charts; it's something that Toronto hasn't really seen work so seamlessly together. The first line isn't going to budge, and the hybrid third lines can swap their pieces interchangeably.
But if the team wants to have a lot of success come playoff time, they need to run with what's hot. It's definitely not a guarantee, but the results are as plain as day.
John Tavares, Bobby McMann and William Nylander are ready to make an impact. It's time to let them run wild.
| POLL | ||
MARS 21 | 463 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Top Six Forward Group Set for Playoffs After Impressive Performances Do you think Toronto should keep Tavares/McMann./Nylander as their second line for the rest of season? | ||
| Yes | 429 | 92.7 % |
| No | 34 | 7.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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