Leafs Optimal Lines
Disregarding whether or not it will actually happen, or even has a chance to, here are what I think the Leafs lines should be entering the playoffs. I don’t think anyone will have any problems with the first two lines here, but this is Leafs Nation, so you never know!
Line 1: Hyman – Tavares – Marner
This is a no-brainer. This line has been together for most of the year, all three players have hit career high’s in points and goals, and I think it’s one of the best lines in hockey.
Line 2: Johnsson – Matthews – Nylander
This line is every bit as good as the first line, and possibly better. No one in the NHL scores more per minute of 5v5 ice time than Matthews, and he and Nylander have been nearly unstoppable since being paired together again. Statistically, this is the highest scoring line in the NHL on a 5v5 per minute basis.
Nylander is among the best zone-transition players in the NHL (maybe the best) and he is the perfect compliment to Matthews. Johnsson here is just a bonus. He’s got 20 goals and if he keeps improving could eventually give the Leafs a super line like the Bruins have.
Those are the lines the Leafs should use, and in all probability, the ones they will lose. It’s the best 1-2 combo in hockey in my opinion.