Keefe announces substantial lineup changes with a defenseman playing forward
In a game that has zero playoff implications for the Leafs or Tampa, Sheldon Keefe revealed some very surprising lineup decisions ahead of puck drop. First, he noted that the Leafs will be dressing just 11 forwards and 6 defencemen with Mark Giordano getting the night off. He also announced that Auston Matthews will rest along with Mitch Marner, who is 1 point away from his first 100 point season.
While those aren't all that surprising, with the decision likely having more to do with protecting his two stars than rest against Tampa, Keefe announcing that a defenseman would be lining up at forward is a whole different ball game. Keefe said that Conor Timmins, who hasn't played since April 2nd against Detroit, will suit up as forward. With Calle Jarnkrok and Sam Lafferty still dealing with injuries and Keefe choosing to rest Matthews and Marner, the Leafs are playing a man short tonight.
With the Leafs preparing to play another 7 game series against Tampa starting next week, Keefe is certainly not taking any chances in showing his hand with any line combinations or strategic changes tonight. I don't think the plan is to use a defenseman up front during the series.
