Craig Berube Reveals the Real Reason Ryan Reaves Has Returns to Leafs' Lineup Against Flyers
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - USA Today Sports
Craig Berube has revealed the real reason as to why he is dressing Ryan Reaves over Nick Robertson for tonight's rematch against the Philadelphia Flyers.
In clear anticipation of what is expected to be a physical rematch between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers, head coach Craig Berube made one critical lineup change up front with Ryan Reaves taking over for Nick Robertson.
Robertson has cooled off a little bit with just 1 goal and 1 assist over his last 8 contests, but the real reason for the change was revealed by Berube on Tuesday after practice, as he expects tonight's contest to either mirror last game or become a little more physical.
"I just wanted a bigger and more physical lineup tonight. I just think going off last game, too, and Reavo's been out a few games, so I wanted to get him back in. There were some pretty big hits last game. Just gotta be prepared and kind of wanted to go with a more physical and heavier lineup tonight."
While the Flyers are no longer bullish or rugged as they once were, they still play a relatively physical style with John Tortorella behind the bench. However, Reaves' reinsertion into the lineup has more to do with possible retaliation against Garnet Hathaway.
The veteran forward dropped the gloves with Jake McCabe at the end of the first period before taking down the defensemen and then knocking him out of the game after landing on McCabe's head.
McCabe was labeled out with an upper-body injury and then subsequently placed on injured reserve the following day.
While Hathaway isn't necessarily known for dropping the gloves, or at least against heavyweights, he will more than likely have to answer the bell with Reaves in the lineup for a very specific reason.
The enforcer has yet to drop the gloves this season and what better time to do it then in Philadelphia during the Ed Snider Legacy Game, as they celebrate the late-architect of the Broad Street Bullies' 92nd birthday.
There were 76 hits in their last contest and expect more of the same with the likes of Hathaway, Scott Laughton, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nick Seeler, Simon Benoit, Matthew Knies, and Reaves among many others dressing tonight.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 7 | 2498 ANSWERS Craig Berube Reveals the Real Reason Ryan Reaves Has Returns to Leafs' Lineup Against Flyers Will Ryan Reaves finally register his first fighting major of the season tonight? | ||
| Yes, Hathaway has to answer the bell | 845 | 33.8 % |
| No, Hathaway won't fight | 1653 | 66.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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