Leafs Line Combinations Yield A Bit of a Surprising Scratch, Given Berube's Recent Comments

On Monday, we saw Nicholas Robertson healthy scratched for the first time since January 7th after head coach Craig Berube made a last-minute decision to insert Calle Jarnkrok into the lineup instead for more defensive help on the second line.

Despite being a healthy scratch, Berube was quick to defend the former second-round pick noting that it was simply a lineup change and nothing to do with his play.

As the Leafs get set to take on the Florida Panthers Thursday, in what will be a very physical game, Robertson will be watching from the press box once again based on line rushes at practice on Wednesday.

Although Berube defended Robertson, he appears set to roll out the same lineup that helped the Leafs snap a three-game losing streak Monday. Jarnkrok's insertion into the lineup Monday not only pushed Robertson to the press box, but also shuffled Bobby McMann down to the third line, which is were he will remain Thursday with Scott Laughton and Max Domi.

When Nicholas Robertson will get back into the lineup remains to be seen, especially if this lineup is able to string together a few victories. Should they fall to the Panthers Thursday however, Berube may look to Robertson on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators to inject some energy and another offensive threat into the lineup.