Toronto Maple Leafs: Best Line Combinations for the Playoffs
By James Tanner
Line 3: Ennis – Kadri – Kapanen
This is the first lineup decision I’d make that Babcock probably won’t. The fact is, however ,that Ennis is a superior player to either Brown or Marleau at this point and he should get the call.
Ennis’ points per 60 5v5 scoring is a solid 1.89 which is higher than Hyman, Kadri, Nylander, Marleau and Brown. He should definitely be playing a top nine role by now.
Kadri is far and away the best third line centre in the NHL and if all three of the Leafs centres are healthy and playing well, other teams can only win with a hot goalie or on special teams.
As for Marleau, his 5v5 scoring rate is worse than that of Par Lindholm.
And yes I double checked that and it’s actually true. (all stats naturalstattrick.com).
Line 4: Moore- Petan- Brown
Marleau for nine minutes a night against fourth line competition is probably still good, but I’d rather have Nic Petan than the 38 year old Marleau. I supposed there’s no chance the Leafs will dress Petan over Marleau, but I can dream!
I get the feeling that Brown is not a very popular player, but he’s way above average for a fourth liner, and I like his ability to grind, kill penalties and chip in the odd goal. The only problem with Brown is that Babcock plays him too high in the lineup. On the fourth line, I am a fan.
As for Trevor Moore, he’s been effective when he’s played and along with Petan and Ennis, I think he’s earned his shot.
The odds of us actually seeing this line are pretty much nil. Marleau isn’t going to be healthy scratched, and neither is Gauthier, but regardless, I think this is the best way to organize the forwards.