Leafs confirm tonight's lineup for Game 2
Game 1 did not go the way the Leafs had planned, dropping a 7-3 decision on home ice to the Tampa Bay Lightning, effectively forfeiting their home ice advantage in the series. Naturally, when practice kicked off on Wednesday in Toronto, there were some lineup changes.
Due to the Michael Bunting suspension, the Leafs were short a top-6 winger, so they decided to reunite Calle Jarnkrok with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Jarnkrok did receive an in-game promotion during Game 1 and scored a goal, so it's no surprise to see Keefe going right back with that trio for Game 2.
Sheldon Keefe had Ryan O'Reilly centering the 3rd line, shifting John Tavares back to center on the 2nd line yesterday, which some believe if the more optimal setup, rolling 3 top centers, as opposed to having the captain play on the wing. Having O'Reilly on the 3rd line also gives rookie Matthew Knies someone experienced and responsible to play alongside and learn from.
Here's how tonight's lineup will look, at least to start the game:
Jarnkrok� Matthews � Marner
Kerfoot � Tavares � Nylander
Knies � O'Reilly � Acciari
Aston-Reese � Kampf � Lafferty
McCabe � Brodie
Giordano � Holl
Rielly � Schenn
Samsonov (starter)
Woll
The Leafs need a win in a bad way tonight to avoid going down 2-0 in the series heading back to Tampa. Hopefully this is the lineup that can get it done.
