Leafs defense pairings announced for Game 1; one surprising scratch among them
The Leafs' postseason practice sessions are finally underway on Sunday after an optional practice on Saturday and by all indicators, Sheldon Keefe has selected his primary playoff roster for the start of Game 1 against Tampa.
We have already taken a look at the forward lines, with the surprising decisions to use Ryan O'Reilly as the team's 2nd line center, rather than rolling top centers down the middle on lines 1, 2 and 3. We also know that Matthew Knies skated as an extra with Wayne Simmonds and is likely to start the playoffs in the press box. Now, let's take a look at what Keefe is rolling with on the blueline.
It appears, once again, as though Timothy Liljegren is on the outside looking in, as Keefe had him skating as the 4th RHD, alongside Erik Gustafsson. Meanwhile, newcomers Luke Schenn and Jake McCabe appear to have gained the favor of their new coach, being cast in important roles, alongside T.J. Brodie and Morgan Rielly, respectively. Here's how the pairs looked this morning.
McCabe-Brodie
Giordano-Holl
Rielly-Schenn
Gustafsson-Liljegren
It's anyone's guess whether or not Keefe plans to roll with the traditional 12F/6D or go with the 11F/7D setup that he had been utilizing for much of the stretch between the deadline and the end of the season.
Like the forward lines, these pairings are also subject to change during the game, as Keefe loves to make in-game adjustments.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 1458 ANSWERS Leafs defense pairings announced for Game 1; one surprising scratch among them Does Timothy Liljegren deserve to be in the playoff lineup for the Leafs in Game 1? | ||
| Yes | 910 | 62.4 % |
| No | 548 | 37.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
