Craig Berube's Comments Indicate One Maple Leafs Forward Secured His Roster Spot For Game 1
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
After clinching the division, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made some comments that indicated one player has solidified his place in the lineup for Game 1.
As the Leafs prepare to reignite the "Battle of Ontario," they have a number of questions surrounding their lineup, most notably on the blueline with Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson questionable for Game 1.
Up front, it appears as though David Kampf is no closer to returning than he was a week ago, which opened up opportunities for Pontus Holmberg and inadvertently Scott Laughton - which they have responded well to. There's also another Leaf who appears likely to suit up for Game 1.
A few weeks ago, Craig Berube publicly floated the idea of inserting Max Pacioretty into the lineup over who many assumed would be Nicholas Robertson.
Given the fact that the former Montreal Canadiens captain has not played since February, the suggestion to insert Pacioretty for Game 1 was met with a lot of criticism.
However, following Tuesday's victory, Craig Berube's comments about his newly formed third line seem to indicate that Robertson has secured his spot in the lineup for Game 1.
"They have been very good together. I thought they were good in Carolina. For me, Holmer is skating really well. He's so strong on pucks and is getting separation. Robby and Bobby have great speed on that line. To me, they are defending well, they are on top of things, they take time and space away from the other team, and they do a good job of countering off of that with their speed and creating opportunities for themselves."
Robertson should find those comments from his coach reassuring, and as some Maple Leafs fans pointed out, if Robertson's spot was to be challenged by Pacioretty, he likely would have been playing on a conditioning stint with the Marlies at this point.
The Leafs have one game left to tinker with their lineup and sort out some injury issues before the unofficial second season begins and the Battle of Ontario is reignited on Sunday.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 3518 ANSWERS Craig Berube's Comments Indicate One Maple Leafs Forward Secured His Roster Spot For Game 1 Would you leave Kampf in the press box for Game 1 even if he is healthy? | ||
| Have to at this point | 2187 | 62.2 % |
| It would depend how Thursday goes | 637 | 18.1 % |
| If healthy no | 694 | 19.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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