Changes at Maple Leafs practice involve moves for Nylander, Domi and Rielly
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski Imagn Images
After a disastrous third period against the Oilers on Saturday, Craig Berube has shuffled the likes of Max Domi and William Nylander and gave Morgan Rielly a new partner.
Frustrated with his leadership group and the abysmal effort in the third period on Saturday, Craig Berube made some drastic changes to his lines at practice on Monday.
Craig Berube's line changes raising eyebrows
Admittedly, the line of John Tavares, William Nylander and Easton Cowan ran dry with their production last week, leading to Nylander being shuffled to the third line ahead of Thursday's game.
The line of Dakota Joshua, Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy had looked excellent prior to McMann's suspension. Although McMann returned on Saturday, Joshua was unable to play due to an illness.
However, the former Canuck was on the ice at practice today, and many had suspected Berube would reunite the trio after a streak of excellent play over the past week and a half.
Instead, McMann found himself on the second line with Tavares and Robertson while Domi joined Roy and Joshua on the third line.
With Domi on the third line, Nylander was elevated alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line.
His decision to not reunite Roy, McMann and Joshua is rather surprising given the success they were having. The trio was providing the needed secondary offense and a physical, fast forechecking line that wore down opponents.
Rielly gets new partner ahead of Tuesday's game
Rielly has seen his fair share of partners during his time in Toronto, most recently forming some chemistry with Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
For Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, it would appear Rielly will suit up with a different partner yet again as he was paired with Simon Benoit at practice.
Of course, things could change come game-time, but for now it would appear the 27-year-old Benoit has earned an opportunity in a more prominent role. Either that, or Rielly is being demoted after going -3 against the Oilers.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 657 ANSWERS Changes at Maple Leafs practice involve moves for Nylander, Domi and Rielly Do you think Berube should have reunited the McMann-Roy-Joshua line? | ||
| Definitely, they were our best line | 580 | 88.3 % |
| No, McMann deserves to be in the top-6 | 77 | 11.7 % |
| List of polls | ||