Sheldon Keefe makes an unusual decision with the Leafs lineup

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Julien Trekker
April 8, 2024 (4:10 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach, Sheldon Keefe, made an unusual decision with his lineup for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Surprisingly, Keefe, who often shakes things up in his lineup, decided to keep the same lines that we saw on the ice last Saturday in Montreal.

What comes as a surprise to some is the fact that he didn't decide to bring back the Marner-Matthews duo. However, considering that the top three lines managed to get on the scoreboard, Keefe made a logical and smart decision by keeping the same lineup.

"Maple Leafs spread the offence.
Top three lines all score before the game is half over."

Here's the lineup, as seen at Monday morning's practice:

"Lines at Leafs skate

Bertuzzi - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Marner
Knies - Holmberg - Nylander
Dewar - Kampf - Reaves
Gregor, Robertson

Rielly - Lyubushkin
Benoit - McCabe
Giordano - Brodie
Edmundson - Timmins

Samsonov
Woll
Jones
Murray "

Four goalies on the ice during Maple Leafs' practice, but only one gets the start and it's Ilya Samsonov.

Notably, all four goalies were on the ice, including Matt Murray. Seeing him at practice indicates that the possibility of seeing the veteran goaltender play a game before the season ends is still there.

It won't be tonight, as Keefe decided to send Samsonov to defend the Leafs' net:

"Ilya Samsonov is the first goalie off at Leafs skate

Projected starter tonight against Penguins "

Stay tuned.

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AVRIL 8 \| 347 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes an unusual decision with the Leafs lineup Are you surprised by Sheldon Keefe's decision on the Maple Leafs' lineup for the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Yes	86	24.8 %
No	261	75.2 %
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