Bunting relishing the opportunity to be Leafs' version of Brad Marchand
Coming into Tampa, Bunting was skating along side Matthews and Marner in his usual spot. Midway through game 3 though he found himself on the fourth line to no doing of his own. Keefe saw that the Matthews line was struggling and Tampa was pressing to get on the board and tie. With the Leafs fourth line consisting of Blackwell and Spezza, Bunting adds a little bit more sandpaper and grittiness. While Keefe has said the move was made for defensive purposes at the time, could he be playing mind games with Tampa?
Tampa's fourth line has Perry and Maroon on it. Two guys that can't seem to stay out of trouble and are easily amused. Bunting has done a phenomenal job of replacing Hyman, in fact I think he's been better. Not only is he putting up the points, but his ability to get under an opponent's skin is superior to Hyman's. Hyman did it by working his ass off. Bunting does it by working his ass off and getting involved after whistles. He's become the Leafs version or a similar type player to Marchand. You love him on your team, but hate playing against him.
Adding him to the fourth line to play against Maroon and Perry could be something Keefe has done quietly in an effort to draw them into more penalties. Bunting was near the top of the league in drawn penalties this season so it would not be surprising to see him draw more against that fourth line. Bunting has been enjoying himself in Tampa so far, stating, "it's fun playing on the road and being the bad guy."
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