Leafs coach provides solid explanation for questionable roster decision
Photo credit: NHL
Prior to their game against the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe opted not to make any lineup changes. He chose to keep Pontus Holmberg on the top line instead of reuniting Matthew Knies with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He also kept Tyler Bertuzzi on the third line and T.J. Brodie with Morgan Rielly, even though many wanted and have wanted that pair to change for a considerable amount of time.
Ahead of their game against Calgary last night, Keefe explained why he didn't make any changes, even though the Leafs were coming off of yet another loss, blowing a lead in the 3rd period.
"You're seeking some consistency. We've moved the group around, but for the most part, we've stayed with this group of 18 skaters for a good chunk of time here now. You want to give it some time. We want to be able to put ourselves in a position to win a game here again and this group has done it for us. So we'll stay with it and get at it here tonight."
Get after it they did. Even though they needed a reversed goal call and a hat-trick from Auston Matthews, the no-change lineup did exactly what Keefe wanted them to do - created some chemistry and got a win. With the Leafs in Vancouver to take on the Canucks on Saturday night, it would be to no one's surprise if Keefe kept things the same once again.
| POLL | ||
19 JANVIER | 697 ANSWERS Leafs coach provides solid explanation for questionable roster decision How will the Leafs' goalies split these last two games of the road trip? | ||
| Martin Jones will get both | 240 | 34.4 % |
| Ilya Samsonov will get both | 37 | 5.3 % |
| Sammy vs Canucks, Jones vs Kraken | 80 | 11.5 % |
| Jones vs Canucks, Sammy vs Kraken | 340 | 48.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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