Maple Leafs Alter Defensive Pairings Ahead of Crucial Matchup Versus Flames
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn Images
Ahead of a crucial contest against the Calgary Flames, the Maple Leafs have altered their defensive pairs in an effort to get some momentum going.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be featured during the early slate of tonight's Frozen Frenzy, when they take on the Calgary Flames.
There had been several lineup changes going into the game with the biggest question mark surrounding William Nylander's status. Fortunately, the Swedish winger will be making his return, but the biggest takeaway from the line rushes was that Craig Berube decided to alter his defensive pairs.
On Saturday night, the Maple Leafs rolled with Jake McCabe and Brandon Carlo, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Morgan Rielly, and Simon Benoit was paired up with Phil Myers.
Despite coming out on top in that game against Buffalo, Berube decided to switch things up. Instead, the Leafs are rolling with Benoit and McCabe, Rielly and Myers, and Ekman-Larsson and Carlo; a far cry from what we've seen in recent weeks.
There is certainly a familiarity aspect behind the changes as Rielly and Myers played nearly 300 minutes in 35 games at even-strength last year, as well as Benoit and McCabe having skated 130 minutes together in 47 contests.
The Maple Leafs are still without Chris Tanev, which certainly leaves a large void to be filled, even from some of the other veterans like Carlo, Rielly, or Ekman-Larsson.
GM Brad Treliving is hopeful that Tanev makes his return when first eligible to come off the IR ahead of their contest on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
However, for the time being, the lineup shuffle continues as the Leafs are looking to get back on track as they carry a disappointing 4-4-1 record to start the season.
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