Keefe reveals reason why Justin Holl is in over Timothy Liljegren
As the Leafs-Lightning series heads to the Sunshine State, Sheldon Keefe is juggling his lineup for Game 3 in hopes of a better outcome than the one from Game 2, a tough 5-3 loss at home.
Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford will both watch from the press box, a sign that the way the series is being officiated they haven't been able to be effective. Also coming out of the lineup is Timothy Liljegren. Justin Holl will take his place for tonight's game. Liljegren hasn't been bad by any stretch. He's been absolutely robbed of 2 goals in the series so far, nonetheless, he will sit. Sheldon Keefe explained why after morning skate.
We've moved our defence around all season, we think that's
important to do. In the first couple of games, there's been times
where Lily's inexperience has showed up a little bit. It's been a lot
for him to take on here and now we come on the road and don't
control the matchups the same way. Holly's been a really big part
of our penalty kill all season. All of that pointed to us making the
change.
-Sheldon Keefe on Justin Holl drawing in for rookie defender Timothy Liljegren
important to do. In the first couple of games, there's been times
where Lily's inexperience has showed up a little bit. It's been a lot
for him to take on here and now we come on the road and don't
control the matchups the same way. Holly's been a really big part
of our penalty kill all season. All of that pointed to us making the
change.
-Sheldon Keefe on Justin Holl drawing in for rookie defender Timothy Liljegren
Given the fact that the Lightning scored 3 times on the powerplay last game, it's not a surprising move. Holl has logged a ton of short handed minutes this season and the Leafs' PK has been excellent while he's on the ice. Only TJ Brodie blocked more shots than Justin Holl for the Leafs this season, and Brodie played 13 more games than Holl.
The game also changes for the Leafs now. Without home ice advantage over the next 2 games, its much harder to control the matchups as the Lightning will have the last change. Having Holl, an experienced shut down guy, in the lineup gives the Leafs 3 pairs they can trust to defend against the arsenal of forwards Tampa can throw at them.
Am I a fan of Liljegren coming out of the lineup for Holl? No, not really. Liljegren's ability to move the puck and be a part of the offence make him a valuable player. What Liljegren isn't, however, is a PK specialist. After last game, the Leafs need to give their PK a boost. Dressing Justin Holl is Keefe's way of doing that.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 419 ANSWERS Keefe reveals reason why Justin Holl is in over Timothy Liljegren Which right-shot defender should be scratched moving forward? | ||
| Holl | 184 | 43.9 % |
| Liljegren | 36 | 8.6 % |
| Lyubushkin | 19 | 4.5 % |
| They should come in and out as needed | 180 | 43 % |
| List of polls | ||
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