Maple Leafs Scratch Surprising Player Ahead of Game Vs. Undefeated Winnipeg Jets
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a very surprising roster move on Monday, scratching forward Nick Robertson before they take on the undefeated Winnipeg Jets.
Toronto is coming off three straight losses, including another heartbreaking loss in Boston. While Toronto came away with a point, they also left with bruised egos as another failed trip to Boston concluded. Things need to start changing for the Maple Leafs before their bump in the road turns into a brick wall. Their bottom-six have been basically non-existent this season and Toronto is looking at all their options.
So the Maple Leafs are trying something drastic, scratching forward Nick Robertson ahead of their game against the Winnipeg Jets:
Toronto desperately shook things up, moving John Tavares to the second line, Max Domi drops to the third, and Pontus Holmberg lines up for Robertson alongside McMann and Domi. Having that second line be so heavy on the veteran scoring could find William Nylander's talents that have suddenly disappeared and Nylander is familiar with having Tavares as a linemate. Hopefully, it kickstarts things for both of them along with Max Pacioretty.
The powerplay also changed dramatically; splitting up the typical Core Four and having a more balanced group during the man advantage. Knies and Pacioretty will add much-needed size as Toronto tries to start getting more shots on net (as long as Marner doesn't keep passing those up). Putting the formerly successful BMW line with Tavares and powerplay quarterback Oliver Ekman-Larsson should help everyone involved but it's a bit puzzling that OEL isn't on the first line given he's been like the Ekman-Larsson of old.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs will find success with this current lineup, however, it can't get any worse than it has. Or maybe it will, and Toronto will have to do more than scratch players and swap lines.
Toronto only has limited options when it comes to getting the right people on the right lines and building that chemistry essential for success. If Nick Robertson doesn't turn things around and if the other Maple Leafs can't figure it out, they'll have to start thinking about cleaning house.
