Robertson or Pacioretty? Maple Leafs Face Game 1 Lineup Dilemma That's Dividing Analysts
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
NHL Analysts Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee debated on whether or not Max Pacioretty should take a lineup spot over Nick Robertson come Game One.
There are a lot of questions surround who the Maple Leafs should plug into the lineup for the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There is the potential we see names like Calle Jarnkrok being scratched in order to add some more speed or offensive help.
One player who might be in the lineup as well is Max Pacioretty.
The veteran hasn't skated in a game since February, and while he would certainly add a neat little edge and more postseason experience, it's hard to think he's ready for that type of pressure.
Which is why it was such a hot topic on the Real Kyper and Bourne show on Monday, as they discussed and debated whether or not Pacioretty deserves to be in the lineup and replace someone who has been actively improving: Nick Robertson.
Bourne spoke first about Pacioretty:
He hasn't played in two months. He's 230 pounds and 36 years old.
Kypreos added immediately after:
You're going to plop him in Game One against and Ottawa Senators team that's going 'Boom boom' everyone is flying. You're chasing Sanderson and Chabot; when I see Nick Robertson playing in both Florida and Tampa Bay, it looks like they are ready to put him in Game One.
I don't know what Game Two holds and I love a 23-man roster, you'll eventually get in. But I am not replacing Nick Robertson with Max Pacioretty.
I thought maybe there was an opportunity for Max to get back in there, and get some reps in but I think it's too hard to get him in. Let the series develop, feel it out. If you wanna go heavier, go to him.
I don't know what Game Two holds and I love a 23-man roster, you'll eventually get in. But I am not replacing Nick Robertson with Max Pacioretty.
I thought maybe there was an opportunity for Max to get back in there, and get some reps in but I think it's too hard to get him in. Let the series develop, feel it out. If you wanna go heavier, go to him.
Bourne added:
Shout-out to Gabriel Landeskog who just played in the AHL; that's kind of what I was hoping for, Pacioretty play some games with the Marlies and get shifts and back up to speed, it is a little terrifying to put him in.
But don't forget, Nick Robertson did play six games last year in the Boston series. Zero, zero, zero...it was zeroes across the board. He's a dynamic player though, they don't have much of those.
But don't forget, Nick Robertson did play six games last year in the Boston series. Zero, zero, zero...it was zeroes across the board. He's a dynamic player though, they don't have much of those.
It's hard to argue with the facts. Pacioretty is getting up there in age, has already dealt with three injuries this season, and while his comeback story is great emotionally, it doesn't translate to success if Toronto is essentially a man down.
Skating in only 35 games this season, he's put up 13 points (5G, 8A) and while it isn't the best offensive numbers, it's an improvement over his past two seasons and he was bringing an intimidating presence to Toronto's lineup.
While Robertson has been a bit better offensively, he's also struggled as well this year. With 21 points in 67 games (14G, 7A) he's really stepped his game up in recent weeks and showing a lot more edge and turning into a more well rounded player instead of a one-dimensional scorer.
But while Pacioretty deserves a chance to play in the postseason, Robertson has been the better player, played longer, offers more versatility and isn't as injury prone.
They can certainly bring in Max Pacioretty if things get a bit hairy against the Senators, but for now we should see what Nick Robertson can do.
It can't go that badly, can it?