Reasoning for These Forwards Lines
Let’s start with the first line.
Line 1
I have Mikheyev/Hyman – Matthews – Marner, and the only difference I have with this line with injured players returning is just trying out and putting Mikheyev on that line with Matthews and Marner. Mikheyev in my opinion is somewhat a similar player to Hyman, both are great on the forecheck, will go into corners and retrieve pucks as well as both can obviously score.
Although Hyman with Matthews and Marner right now looks good, i’m okay with Hyman staying put and putting Mikheyev on the second line with Tavares and Nylander.
Line 2
On line two I have Hyman/Mikheyev – Tavares – Nylander, just like line one I would like to see Hyman back with Tavares at some point this season if Keefe goes with putting Mikheyev with Matthews but if Hyman remains with Matthews and Marner for the future then putting Mikheyev with Tavares and Nylander isn’t a totally bad idea.
Like I said Mikheyev and Hyman are similar in ways, forecheck, retrieve pucks and can score, so either of them on either line isn’t a bad idea.
Line 3
Now line three is one of my favourites, and could possibly be one of the best third lines in the NHL. I have Johnsson – Kerfoot – Kapanen on this third line.
When Johnsson returns from injury which should be soon, I believe he should slot in the third line with Kerfoot and Kapanen. That line would be one of the fastest third lines in the league as well as an all around great line to add depth scoring on some nights.
With all three players relentless on the puck and will be more than okay going in the corners to get the puck, this could be a matchup line against tough opponents some nights. Given Kerfoot playing better on the wing right now with Tavares, I don’t see Kerfoot remaining on the wing when Johnsson and Moore returning from their injuries.
Line 4
Lastly line four, I have Engvall – Spezza – Moore, this line just like the third line is a great depth line that can contribute on any given night. I have Engvall and Moore staying in the lineup over Gauthier, Timashov, Brooks, Marchment for many reasons and they are pretty obvious reasons too.
Brooks and Marchment have played a combined eight games so they are the first guys out of the lineup, Timashov has been good in my eyes being in and out of the lineup but as well he could easily be replaced with Engvall and Moore. As well as Gauthier he will likely be the healthy scratch while the others are sent down to the Marlies.
How can you not take Pierre Engvall out of the lineup? He is playing exceptional hockey putting up (7G 5A 12 PTS) in 23 GP and only playing third and fourth line minutes and not seeing any power play time, but he is a mandatory piece to this penalty kill that’s for sure. (Stats from thescore.com)
Spezza was brought here to play fourth line minutes and serve as the fourth line centre and he will more than likely do that once everyone returns from injury as he is currently playing third line centre.
Moore has been out with a shoulder injury and a concussion as well but I believe he will be a great fit on that fourth line when he returns.
Although part of me feels like he plays a similar game to Timashov, they both are fast wingers who are not afraid to throw their body and get dirty in the corners. It will interesting what Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs do with the team, will they eventually trade a player like Johnsson and Kapanen to try to acquire a defensemen?