Sheldon Keefe explains his decision to scratch two of the team's better bottom-six forwards
When the Leafs arrived at TD Garden for practice on Saturday, there were two pretty notable scratches during line rushes in Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann. Per Sheldon Keefe, the reason Holmberg and McMann are not playing tonight is not due to poor performance or to injury. Keefe explained following the morning skate that their absences from the lineup tonight are due to an illness, which Auston Matthews revealed has been going around.
Holmberg has been playing some good hockey of late. Since making his NHL debut in early November, Holmberg has been dependable at the center position - arguably the most difficult position to play. Keefe had stated early this season that when he watches the tape back, he doesn't often find a mistake by Holmberg. Through 28 games this year, the 23-year-old has produced 4 goals and 11 points. Not bad for a rookie who was picked in the 6th round.
As for McMann, his debut just came on Wednesday night. His first two games went really well for the team. He has been noticeable, particularly on the forecheck and plays with a lot of speed. The 6-foot-2 winger is a big body and is not easily moved off the puck. He managed four shots on goal Thursday night against Detroit, while only playing just over 10 minutes of ice time. He even scored what we all thought was the games first goal of his NHL career, only to have it called back due to a "distinct kicking motion".
While it is still early, McMann has given the Leafs another legitimate option in the bottom six. The 26-year-old plays with a lot of pace, uses his body well, and has shown he can add offense, as he produced 6 points in his last 3 AHL games before earning his call-up. He also holds the Marlies' rookie goal scoring record after scoring 24 goals last season - his first full AHL campaign.
It will be interesting to see if McMann can keep this up and become a regular in the Leafs lineup, just as Pontus Holmberg did earlier this season. When he gets healthy again, he should get another shot in the NHL lineup, but only time will tell if this recent stretch is just a hot streak, or if McMann is here to stay.
| POLL | ||
14 JANVIER | 620 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe explains his decision to scratch two of the team's better bottom-six forwards When everyone is healthy, who would you prefer to have in the lineup? | ||
| Pontus Holmberg | 164 | 26.5 % |
| Bobby McMann | 58 | 9.4 % |
| Both | 370 | 59.7 % |
| Niether | 28 | 4.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
