Leafs head coach confirms multiple roster changes ahead of tonight's game
After the Leafs blew a 3-goal lead against Colorado last night, I think just about everyone foresaw some changes to tonight's lineup. Sheldon Keefe is looking to switch things up a bit, as expected, ahead of tonight's back-to-back against Detroit.
One change has already been confirmed by Keefe. It will be on the blueline. Tonight, Mark Giordano will be getting a night off and Conor Timmins gets back into the rotation.
The 40-year-old veteran Giordano was practicing in a grey jersey today alongside William Lagesson and Ryan Reaves. This indicates he's getting a much needed night off after playing a long stretch of games in a short span.
This also gives Conor Timmins an opportunity to stay involved. Timmins hasn't played a game since Dec. 21st, when he put up a -4 rating with only 12:29 of ice time against Buffalo. Timmins has 6 points in 13 games this season and has participated in many practices since his last game, allowing him to continue to work on the defensive side of his game. Hopefully that practice has paid off.
Nick Robertson was not on the ice, indicating that he may also draw back into the lineup tonight against Detroit. We are still awaiting confirmation from Keefe on who is banged up from last night and may come out of the lineup for Robertson.
Some were concerned about the status of Auston Matthews after taking a hard cross-check from Josh Manson last night. Keefe was quick to point out that Matthews is not the one coming out for Robertson if the young winger does indeed draw back in, so we have more questions than answers there at this point.
Perhaps the most intriguing change comes in goal, as Ilya Samsonov draws back in after more than 2 weeks. Samsonov last played against Columbus on December 29th, allowing 6 goals before ultimately being placed on waivers, clearing and being sent to the minors. Samsonov was recalled earlier this week.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 14 | 1000 ANSWERS Leafs head coach confirms multiple roster changes ahead of tonight's game Do you still have faith in Sheldon Keefe's roster decisions? | ||
| Yes, I still trust him | 83 | 8.3 % |
| No, he's lost my faith | 560 | 56 % |
| It's currently 50/50 | 207 | 20.7 % |
| I never trusted Dubas' best friend | 150 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||
