Sheldon Keefe raves about his new-look top line after last night's win
It seems as though the majority of this season has been spent trying to find the team's optimal setup. For Sheldon Keefe and the rest of the coaching staff, there is still some work to be done as they look to solidify all 4 lines and all 3 D pairs.
One recent lineup decision that Keefe has made that has really seemed to have paid off has been the addition of Calle Jarnkrok to the top line. Not only has Jarnkrok been performing well in his new assignment, but even Auston Matthews himself has spoken out about how much he enjoys playing with Jarnkrok on his win and revealed that the Swedish forward has "one of the prettiest releases" he's ever seen.
Following last night's 6-2 win in Florida, Keefe spoke to Jarnkrok's presence on the top line and what he has brought to the lineup since moving up. It's safe to say that Keefe is a fan of Jarnkrok in that spot.
"He has fit in really well. His skill set � he plays with poise, he can make a play, he is willing to shoot the puck, and he gets himself in good spots to shoot it. He is not afraid. I am not going to say he doesn't care that he is playing with Auston and these other guys, but when he is in a spot to shoot and score, he is going to shoot and score. You like that.
His game is so efficient. He forechecks. He tracks. He is good on the defensive zone walls. He works. He plays a smart game. One of the things that sometimes you don't think about is that if you are going to play with Auston and Mitch, you are going to get really difficult matchups. It is not just about being able to make a play, score, or produce. You have to be able to play against the other team's best people. Jarny does that for us no matter where he is in the lineup. It makes sense to me that he has done a good job in that place." - Sheldon Keefe on what Jarnkrok brings to the Leafs' top line
His game is so efficient. He forechecks. He tracks. He is good on the defensive zone walls. He works. He plays a smart game. One of the things that sometimes you don't think about is that if you are going to play with Auston and Mitch, you are going to get really difficult matchups. It is not just about being able to make a play, score, or produce. You have to be able to play against the other team's best people. Jarny does that for us no matter where he is in the lineup. It makes sense to me that he has done a good job in that place." - Sheldon Keefe on what Jarnkrok brings to the Leafs' top line
Call me crazy, but it doesn't sound like he has any intention of shifting Jarnkrok back down into the middle six anytime soon.
| POLL | ||
MARS 24 | 413 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe raves about his new-look top line after last night's win Should Jarnkrok remain on the top line for the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 338 | 81.8 % |
| No | 75 | 18.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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