For most of the Toronto season, we have seen an adequately consistent Maple Leaf lineup. Sheldon Keefe has had to make some quick decisions in February after illness hit the team, what’s more, it worked like a charm. The most prominent event was Bobby McMann racking up a hat trick after hopping into the lineup against the Blues. Every Leaf fan was pumped to see the extra hustle from a guy on the bottom line. Keefe has continued to make line changes and at the same time Leaf fans have seen double the goals scored compared to the end of January’s games.
Toronto Maple Leaf’s Top Line
The one line that does not need tweaking would be Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies. This is one of, if not, the best-producing Maple Leaf lineups in the NHL with A-Matts leading the league in goals. Marner is also currently holding the sixth-place spot for assists. Knies has been a natural fit for this line as he battles for possession with the best of them. Keefe will most likely leave these three be as the proof is in the pudding.
Mad Max Takes Control of Second Maple Leaf Lineup
If you could define tenacity with a player, it would be Max Domi. Also known as Mad Max, Domi had both rebound and breakaway goals against the Golden Knights recently. The rebound goal was assisted by William Nylander who fed Domi through traffic. Nylander has been consistently good as of late with 9 points in the last five games. Playing on the other side of Domi, we have Tyler Bertuzzi who is by no means a flashy winger. Keefe uses him for screening pucks and taking up space in front of the blue paint to bolster the number two Maple Leaf lineup.
Captain Johnny T. Thrives at Maple Leaf Lineup Three
John Tavares has been heating up after a cold spell and some lineup shuffling as well. This Toronto Maple Leaf captain may have found a sweet spot on the third line with McMann and Nicholas Robertson. Taking the lead with two young bucks in their first full season, Johnny Toronto can share his knowledge while getting fed pucks in the slot. Roberston and McMann have the legs to get the job done, with Tavares they can bring depth to the Maple Leaf’s lineup.
Dangerous Fourth Line for Maple Leafs
There is no rest for any NHL team when Toronto is in town. The Vegas Golden Knights‘ Defense and Goalie Adin Hill found themselves flat-footed against line four early on. Center David Kampf quickly snagged a loose puck, wheeled past three defenders, and drove one home past Hill. Left Winger Pontus Holmberg also displayed his skills in that game by flinging an easy wrister over the shoulder of Logan Thompson. Let’s not forget veteran Ryan Reaves presence on this bottom line. At age 37, the Grim Reaver is one of the first to drop gloves and doesn’t waste too much time on words.
Toronto Built Depth to Go Deep into the Playoffs
Every team in the NHL better respect the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs are on fire right now. With a dialed-in Maple Leaf offensive lineup, the Buds are averaging six goals per game in the last five. Enough said, Go Leafs Go!
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
