Lineup changes; Keefe making sure his stars are healthy for Game 1 on Monday
As the Leafs' optional game day skate came to an end, Sheldon Keefe confirmed lots of lineup changes for the final game of the regular season. The Leafs will go will 11 forwards and 7 defensemen for starters. Up front, they will be without Tavares, Marner and Matthews while Jack Campbell will also have the night off.
That means that two of Clifford, Simmonds, Abruzzese and Joey Anderson will likely draw into the lineup and Justin Holl will be the seventh defenseman tonight. The fact the Leafs are going with 7 defensemen is surprising given that Muzzin is playing hurt and Rielly hasn't missed a game all season. It would have been good to get one of them a game off before the playoffs start Monday but at least with 7 blue liners in the lineup Keefe will be able to monitor their minutes to give them a bit of a rest.
When asked about the goal for tonight's game, Keefe simply replied, « to get through the game healthy, that's a big part of it.» Keefe's comments are in line with what he has been preaching the past couple weeks in giving guys a rest and to go into the playoffs as healthy as possible. It's something the Leafs haven't had the luxury of doing the past couple seasons so it is a benefit to them right away.
