Toronto Maple Leafs' Power Play Unit Raises Eyebrows After Puzzling Decision
A new coach signals change in culture, tactics, and lineups and the Toronto Maple Leafs are no exception.
Since Craig Berube has succeeded Sheldon Keefe at the buds helm, it's no surprise that there's tweaks coming with the power play.
Last season, the man-advantage fizzled against the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the blue and white were defeated in seven games. Yet with Berube, Lane Lambert, and Marc Savard in town, changes are expected.
However, Sunday's preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators has arrived and the top unit remained the same. It's Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly.
While it's exciting to see such a talented group together, there was talk reigning Stanley Cup champion Oliver Ekman-Larsson might usurp Rielly on the top unit and quarterback the blue line. Instead, OEL was working on the second group with Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, Nikita Grebenkin, and Matthew Knies.
It's understandable why the coaches would want to keep the big boys intact. They're hoping to change their mentality before they tinker with personnel.
But if things start to go cold again, we should see quicker adjustments from the men behind the bench in contrast to the methodical Keefe regime. That threat should keep everyone accountable and on their toes throughout the regular season; just how Leafs Nation wants it as they eye a deep postseason run.
Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Maple Leafs Make Puzzling Decision With Top Power Play Unit
| POLL | ||
22 SEPTEMBRE | 134 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs' Power Play Unit Raises Eyebrows After Puzzling Decision Do you think the Maple Leafs should stick with their current top power play unit or make changes? | ||
| Stick with it | 50 | 37.3 % |
| Make changes | 84 | 62.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
