Sheldon Keefe makes Interesting changes to the Leafs Lineup
After a dominant win against the Washington Capitals, Sheldon Keefe has made some intriguing changes to the Maple Leafs lineup at practice.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt with injuries, illness and general struggles in recent times, and even after a monster 7-3 victory, their lineup still looks completely different. The main reason for the shuffles again at practice from Sheldon Keefe was the illness of Tyler Bertuzzi, which could potentially keep him out of the Maple Leafs next game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
With Bertuzzi's absence, the top line featured rookie Matthiew Knies and Max Domi skating alongside Auston Matthews, with many more changes beyond that. Bobby McMann slotted in on the second line, while the third line featured Dewar, Kampf and Gregor, with the last line the most intriguing decision, as Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves were centered by Pontus Holmberg.
Knies - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Nylander
Dewar - Kampf - Gregor
Robertson - Holmberg - Reaves
Rielly - McCabe
Edmundson - Liljegren
Benoit - Timmins
Giordano, Brodie, Lyubushkin
Samsonov
Woll
Jones
Host Oilers tomorrow
The defensive decisions were just as intriguing, with the lines leading to scratches of Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and newly acquired Ilya Lyubushkin, giving Toronto plenty of depth, but lacking the star power they need. T.J. Brodie faces his second straight healthy scratch after recent struggles, and if the team continues rolling, his position on the Maple Leafs may be done for good heading into the playoffs.
With Bertuzzi, Marner and others all expected back in the lineup before the playoffs arrive, this team is expected to look much different, but these changes at practice have shown off the depth of this team, which will be crucial in their chase for a Stanley Cup.
| POLL | ||
Do you like the look of the Maple Leafs lineup that Sheldon Keefe had at practice? | ||
| Yes | 297 | 66.1 % |
| No | 152 | 33.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
