GDT: Vegas at YOUR Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, Feb 26th, 7pm

[TheDoldrums]

This is my question for the playoffs. I'm not sure you can have a Nylander/Bertuzzi/Domi line getting heavy minutes in close playoff times given their defensive....tendencies. It's why I think they will probably acquire another defensive forward at the deadline.

They're getting a defensive forward back from injury in Jarnkrok. It will be interesting how the lines shape up at that point.

 

[Evilhomer]

They're getting a defensive forward back from injury in Jarnkrok. It will be interesting how the lines shape up at that point.

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Jarnkrok back on the first line at some point, as that line will generally be dominant no matter who they put with Matthews and Marner (i.e., I think it's the line they can most easily mess around with and still find success).

 

[ACC1224]

They're getting a defensive forward back from injury in Jarnkrok. It will be interesting how the lines shape up at that point.

Is he ready to go?
It's hard to see them change the lineup while they are on this heater.

 

[Fogelhund]

Is he ready to go?
It's hard to see them change the lineup while they are on this heater.

I think the implication was that he would be back before the playoffs... not that a return was imminent.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

Game Day...

 

[Zybalto]

Is he ready to go?
It's hard to see them change the lineup while they are on this heater.

If he does get back in, easing into the lineup on the 4th line might be the best move, despite the 4th line playing so well lately (that's been with various wingers playing)

It's gonna get more interesting if you want to put him in the top 9. His most effective linemates this season have been with Domi and Robertson.

 

[CabanaBoy5]

If he does get back in, easing into the lineup on the 4th line might be the best move, despite the 4th line playing so well lately (that's been with various wingers playing)

It's gonna get more interesting if you want to put him in the top 9. His most effective linemates this season have been with Domi and Robertson.

I see Keefe doing this as soon as the streak is over, but damn, that means putting Tavares back with Nylander on the 2nd line. Tavares really has looked better on the third line. I think the softer matchups have really benefitted his game.

 

[ACC1224]

I see Keefe doing this as soon as the streak is over, but damn, that means putting Tavares back with Nylander on the 2nd line. Tavares really has looked better on the third line. I think the softer matchups have really benefitted his game.

IMO, Tavares will stay put on the 3rd line for the rest of the year. Top two lines won't be touched unless they go into an extended tail spin.

 

[kevsh]

When Jankrok gets back in I hope Keefe recognizes that breaking up what's been working (with emphasis on the top 6) to accommodate a 3rd liner isn't a winning strategy. Put him alongside Tavares on the 3rd line and drop either McMann or Robertson down = Minimal impact.

In any case, that's probably a debate for another day. Given that this hot streak isn't going to last forever, I just hope they put in a full 60-minute effort tonight win or lose.

 

[thewave]

When Jankrok gets back in I hope Keefe recognizes that breaking up what's been working (with emphasis on the top 6) to accommodate a 3rd liner isn't a winning strategy. Put him alongside Tavares on the 3rd line and drop either McMann or Robertson down = Minimal impact.

In any case, that's probably a debate for another day. Given that this hot streak isn't going to last forever, I just hope they put in a full 60-minute effort tonight win or lose.

Nobody stands in the way of their own success as much as Keefe. Banking on here we go again galaxy braining.

 

[ACC1224]

When Jankrok gets back in I hope Keefe recognizes that breaking up what's been working (with emphasis on the top 6) to accommodate a 3rd liner isn't a winning strategy. Put him alongside Tavares on the 3rd line and drop either McMann or Robertson down = Minimal impact.

In any case, that's probably a debate for another day. Given that this hot streak isn't going to last forever, I just hope they put in a full 60-minute effort tonight win or lose.

I think that's likely.
McMann will stay while he's playing so well which leaves Robertson.
IMO, Robertson or Reaves will be exchanged for each other on the 4th line, depending on the opponent.

 

[banks]

IMO, Tavares will stay put on the 3rd line for the rest of the year. Top two lines won't be touched unless they go into an extended tail spin.

Ya, there will be shuffles because of cold streaks and injuries. But splitting up the big 4 across the top 3 lines just makes too much sense now. It's a pretty big luxury to have.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I wonder if Eichel is back tonight.

 

[TorMapleJays]

I didn’t know because they never tell you in advance …(I wonder why) but I’m glad I sold these tickets for tonight’s game.

Go Leafs Go

 

[OVO16]

I wonder if Eichel is back tonight.

He's in a red non-contact jersey at practice so I highly doubt it

 

[Squiffy]

I wonder if Eichel is back tonight.

I think Cassidy mentioned on Overdrive yesterday that he wasn't ready yet.

 

[Squiffy]

Wonder if AM can break out of the goalless drought here..

 

[Evilhomer]

I wonder if Eichel is back tonight.

There isn't really much to Vegas' offense without Eichel and Stone. I think their only chance to beat the Leafs in this game is to keep it very low-scoring, but even their defense and goaltending has struggled over the past couple of weeks. Given how well they started the season, they are surprisingly close to being a wild card team. What a raw deal if the team that finishes second in the Western conference gets Vegas in the first round as its prize....

 

[BayStBullies]

There isn't really much to Vegas' offense without Eichel and Stone. I think their only chance to beat the Leafs in this game is to keep it very low-scoring, but even their defense and goaltending has struggled over the past couple of weeks. Given how well they started the season, they are surprisingly close to being a wild card team. What a raw deal if the team that finishes second in the Western conference gets Vegas in the first round as its prize....

When a team has a low chance to win, that's win Keefe has his biggest influence.

 

[Zybalto]

I see Keefe doing this as soon as the streak is over, but damn, that means putting Tavares back with Nylander on the 2nd line. Tavares really has looked better on the third line. I think the softer matchups have really benefitted his game.

It all depends on Bertuzzi/Nylander/Domi really.

If they continue to outscore their D, they will stick together. A few games can make a line but also break it. Tough games ahead and if they get filled in, we need lines that can hold up against good teams in the playoffs.

I think Keefe really liked the Robertson/Domi/Jarnkrok line too which may come into play (and they were very good).

Also up in the air is what to do if we make any big moves st the deadline.

 

[BullyHockey]

""

Keefe in April: "Murray starting game 1 of the playoffs."

 

[Zybalto]

Looking at the numbers, a Leafs win tonight would make Keefe the 2nd fastest coach to 200 wins in NHL history (Correct me if my math is wrong folks).

 

[kevsh]

Non-contact jersey suggesting he's a few games away at least.

 

[Jojalu]

Looking at the numbers, a Leafs win tonight would make Keefe the 2nd fastest coach to 200 wins in NHL history (Correct me if my math is wrong folks).

I find that impressive, but also makes the lack of playoff success sting more.

I know there have been a lot of variables, and it's not all on him, but damn...

 

[All Mod Cons]

Looks like Liljegren is out tonight as expected.