Leafs' lineup a complete mystery ahead of Game 3
With the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 2-0 hole against the Florida Panthers heading into Game 3 on Sunday night, it's assumed that head coach Sheldon Keefe will be looking to make some adjustments.
At the team's most recent practice, defenseman Erik Gustafsson was leading the second power-play unit and Justin Holl was taking reps as usual with the penalty kill unit. It's likely we see both players draw back into the lineup tonight despite Keefe "not tipping his hand" regarding possible lineup changes for game three.
After the Game 2 loss, Keefe opened up about the possibility of running 11 and 7 (11 forwards, 7 defensemen) over the traditional 12 and 6 lineup. By adding an extra defenseman, this will reduce the workload for players like Mark Giordano, a player who has been struggling with the pace of play against Florida and has benefited in the past from the Leafs playing with an extra man.
This could allow Giordano to be at his best, while at the same time, having the option to fall back on their normal power-play and penalty-kill units. Up front, the Leafs will be forced to make lineup changes due to the injury to Matthew Knies in Game 2, sidelining him for at least the next two games. In practice, the Leafs slotted Zach Aston-Reese back into the lineup while moving forward Alexander Kerfoot to the left wing on the third line. If they go 11/7, however, Aston-Reese will likely remain the odd man out.
The Leafs have not used the 11 and 7 lineup since their Game 6 win in Tampa Bay last weekend, but in the words of Alex Kerfoot, "It's a must-win game for us", which means they'll try just about anything if they feel it gives them an edge in Game 3.
| POLL | ||
MAI 7 | 209 ANSWERS Leafs' lineup a complete mystery ahead of Game 3 Will the Leafs run with 11 and 7 tonight? | ||
| Yes, I think so | 145 | 69.4 % |
| No, probably not | 64 | 30.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
