With last night's loss, Keefe reveals that some lineup changes are all but certain
In last night's postgame interview, Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe told the media to expect some changes to the lineup come Thursday. The Leafs lost 4-2 to the lowly Arizona Coyotes at home last night after a late controversial disallowed goal and while Keefe was undoubtedly unhappy with the call, he also has to recognize his team can play better than this. As such, he will give some other players a look.
One likely candidate to come out of the line up for next game is forward Denis Malgin. After a good preseason, Malgin won a spot out of camp and was slotted on the second line beside Tavares and Nylander. After scoring in the season opener against the Canadiens, Malgin has been held pointless in his last three games. Additionally, he has not been noticeable. Last night he only saw the ice for 8 minutes and 44 seconds. Currently, the Leafs have two extra forwards with the big club (Nick Robertson & Wayne Simmonds). Robertson, as a young high-end prospect, feels like the obvious choice to draw in, but if the team feels they want some more grit, experience and leadership, Simmonds is an option as well.
Another lineup change will likely come in the form of Jake Muzzin, who left last night's game with an apparent neck injury. He did not return. Post game, Keefe did not have an update on the severity of the injury. Victor Mete is currently the seventh defenseman on the roster and is likely to draw in assuming Muzzin is out for Thursday.
The Leafs are now 2-2-0 in what should likely have been a 4-0-0 run. As Keefe said during his post-game media availability, the elite players didn't play like elite players. Perhaps surrounding them with some different faces on Thursday will be enough to get them all going.
