Toronto Maple Leafs Urged to Adjust Lineup Ahead of Clash with Bruins
With Auston Matthews returning against a vicious and sometimes dirty Boston team, the Maple Leafs should think of adding more toughness.
The rivalry between the Bruins and Maple Leafs stretches decades long, with Beantown often getting the better of Toronto especially when it comes to the playoffs.
Regardless of situation, it's always heated whenever these two take the ice and fans are glued to their seats whether it's preseason or playoffs. No doubt Boston will be playing with a chip on their shoulders, and with them creeping up on the Maple Leafs; a statement win for Toronto is a must.
But with Auston Matthews returning, Craig Berube made some lineup changes that leave some questions as to why he would leave out an important piece.
Connor Dewar lines up with David Kampf and Steven Lorentz on the fourth line and while he's been serviceable, Toronto might be better suited to put in some added toughness to help control Boston's pest problem.
Ryan Reaves Has A Role And Craig Berube Needs To Use It
Although he's not fighting nearly as much as he used to (or not at all in fact), Ryan Reaves is still providing boundless energy when on the ice. He's not going to score you goals and rarely get you points, but has been solid over his last few games.
Having an assist and six hits against the Islanders on Dec. 31, Reaves showed a new type of energy and has been better defensively as well.
This season Reaves has zero goals, two assists, and 23 PIM in 26 games for the Maple Leafs, often a healthy scratch much like the Bruins game.
But Reaves being out of the lineup is a tough call for Craig Berube. While it's understandable why he would want to add some more defense and offensive potential in Dewar, the intangibles of having an enforcer on the ice is crucial.
Not only will Reaves make sure their dirtier players stay in check, but if anyone targets Auston Matthews you best believes Reaves would dish out some payback.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Berube make a last-minute change if his gut tell him to, but as of now the Maple Leafs may need to weather a Bruins storm that is no doubt brewing.
