Leafs Announce Multiple Lineup Changes Ahead of Monday's Visit to Winnipeg

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a quandary, mired in a three-game losing streak that demands an explanation, but as it goes, the same old rhetoric keeps repeating. While last week was a bit frustrating, especially for fans who are starved for sustained success for their team, perhaps this week will be the beginning of a swift turnaround for the team.

After an overtime loss to the Boston Bruins, in which Auston Matthews coughed up the puck in overtime, which led to the Bruins' game winning goal, the team unveiled some line changes ahead of tonight's game.

David Alter of The Hockey News attended practice Monday morning and noted that some of the decisions made by the coaching staff ahead of the game in Winnipeg against the 8-0-0 Jets.

What stands out immediately is the second line. William Nylander and John Tavares were reunited, along with Max Pacioretty on their left flank. This line has the potential to be a very good one for the Leafs tonight.

Inserting Pontus Holmberg and sitting Nick Robertson doesn't necessarily make sense because it can be argued that Holmberg has looked like a ghost on the ice this season, but Robertson still hasn't lived up to his billing after having a formidable pre-season. Perhaps this is a bit of a wake-up call for Robertson, who needs to be more productive.

On the blueline, after making his Leafs debut on Saturday, defenceman Philippe Myers takes a seat and is being replaced by Connor Timmins, who has enjoyed some success playing with Simon Benoit this season.

Are these changes enough to hand the Jets their first loss of the season? Time will tell, but anything is possible when the Leafs' big guns are firing. Hopefully Matthews, Marner and company are ready for a war, because there are no easy wins in Winnipeg.