Marc Methot dumps on the Leafs for scratching Spezza for Game 1
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe had a difficult decision to make on Monday, with 13 healthy NHL forwards due to the return on Ondrej Kase. Someone had to sit. Unfortunately for Jason Spezza, it was decided that that someone was him.
Spezza was one of the Leafs' best weapons in last year's series against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring three goals and adding a pair of assists for 5 points in 7 games, albeit in a losing effort against the Canadiens, blowing a 3-1 series lead. That loss was hardly on Spezza. You could also give William Nylander and Alex Kerfoot a pass for how well they played.
Keefe's decision to scratch Spezza was certainly met with criticism, and there's no doubt that some of it is warranted - especially if the Leafs come up short in Game 1. However, the number one Leafs hater on Twitter, former Ottawa Senator Marc Methot, took some time to chime in on the subject, and took a shot at the Leafs, as he's known to do.
This makes me happy. Not the fact Jason isn't playing, but that the Leafs think scratching arguably their best player from last years playoffs is the right move.
-Methot on Keefe's decision to scratch Spezza for Game 1
-Methot on Keefe's decision to scratch Spezza for Game 1
While Spezza, a fan favourite, likely deserves to play based on his experience as a top player in the league for a long time, the playoffs are a different beast. We know that. We've seen that year over year. That's why Keefe has elected to dress Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford on his 4th line, on either side of Colin Blackwell.
Ultimately, if push comes to shove, you want a couple of guys who are going to behave badly. You want nasty, physical, violent dudes who are not going to hesitate to give the opposition the business. God love Jason Spezza, but he isn't that guy. Will he fight if he has to? Sure. Will he stick up for his teammates? Sure. But Jason Spezza is not going to put the fear of God into anyone. Simmonds and Clifford will.
It's just too bad that Methot isn't one of the guys on the ice for the Bolts tonight, because I'm sure Simmer and Cliffy might have something to say about all of his mouthpiece commentary from behind his screen.
| POLL | ||
MAI 2 | 524 ANSWERS Marc Methot dumps on the Leafs for scratching Spezza for Game 1 Should the Leafs have played Spezza for Game 1, knowing that both teams are expecting a war? | ||
| Keefe made the right decision | 216 | 41.2 % |
| Spezza should be playing over Simmonds | 68 | 13 % |
| Spezza should be playing over Clifford | 129 | 24.6 % |
| Spezza should be playing over Blackwell | 111 | 21.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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