Muzzin and Holl finished on separate pairings on Monday, back together at practice on Wednesday
In large, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a really good season thus far. That does not mean that they are without their faults, however. One hot topic for discussion among Leafs fans this season has been the struggles of the team's second pair - Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl.
Muzzin and Holl have been on the ice for quite a few goals against this season and have not looked like the same pairing from last season who showed the ability to be dominant against the likes of players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Mark Scheifele, Johnny Gaudreau and the rest of the star players in the now defunct North Division.
During Monday's 6-2 win in Seattle, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe had made some in-game changes to his defensive pairings, elevating rookie Timothy Liljegren into the top-4 and sliding Holl down to the 3rd pair with Rasmus Sandin. Muzzin was the clear beneficiary here, as he was able to record his first goal in 28 games on a cross-ice feed from Liljegren for a rocket of a one-timer that found nothing but net.
On Wednesday, some eyebrows were raised when Keefe had Holl slotted into his usual spot beside Jake Muzzin at practice, with Liljegren back on the third pair with his fellow countryman, Sandin. Following practice, Keefe told the media not to read too much into things, stating that the lineup against the Pens on Thursday could still end up seeing some changes.
In addition, Keefe had a lot to say about the struggles of the Muzzin/Holl pairing this season. He's not ready to chalk it all up to regression.
The Leafs still have time to add to their blueline, which appears to be priority number one at this year's trade deadline. I just hope that if they can upgrade on the right side, that it's Holl who ends up being the odd man out and not Liljegren.
