Keefe reveals reason why Justin Holl is in over Timothy Liljegren

As the Leafs-Lightning series heads to the Sunshine State, Sheldon Keefe is juggling his lineup for Game 3 in hopes of a better outcome than the one from Game 2, a tough 5-3 loss at home.

Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford will both watch from the press box, a sign that the way the series is being officiated they haven't been able to be effective. Also coming out of the lineup is Timothy Liljegren. Justin Holl will take his place for tonight's game. Liljegren hasn't been bad by any stretch. He's been absolutely robbed of 2 goals in the series so far, nonetheless, he will sit. Sheldon Keefe explained why after morning skate.




Given the fact that the Lightning scored 3 times on the powerplay last game, it's not a surprising move. Holl has logged a ton of short handed minutes this season and the Leafs' PK has been excellent while he's on the ice. Only TJ Brodie blocked more shots than Justin Holl for the Leafs this season, and Brodie played 13 more games than Holl.

The game also changes for the Leafs now. Without home ice advantage over the next 2 games, its much harder to control the matchups as the Lightning will have the last change. Having Holl, an experienced shut down guy, in the lineup gives the Leafs 3 pairs they can trust to defend against the arsenal of forwards Tampa can throw at them.

Am I a fan of Liljegren coming out of the lineup for Holl? No, not really. Liljegren's ability to move the puck and be a part of the offence make him a valuable player. What Liljegren isn't, however, is a PK specialist. After last game, the Leafs need to give their PK a boost. Dressing Justin Holl is Keefe's way of doing that.