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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Player Most Likely to Surprise In the Playoffs

By Wilbert Timmermans

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 11: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is swarmed by his teammates after scoring the game winning overtime goal against the Arizona Coyotes during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Coyotes 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 11: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is swarmed by his teammates after scoring the game winning overtime goal against the Arizona Coyotes during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Coyotes 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 28: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 28: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Mark van der Lugt

The third line is the match up line, which will be the key.

When the Leafs need defensively responsible offensive punch to let the top six forwards have a breather. All three forwards love to go “meep meep” on the ice and it’s up to Columbus to match this line’s pace.

There aren’t many teams that can match the Leafs speed, but I’d even say no one can match this third line’s speed. Watching Robertson on Tuesday was clear to see that he has the speed to keep up in the NHL and even the brain for it.

Nick’s role with the Leafs looks to put him on the third line, flanking Alex Kerfoot on the left-wing and Kasperi Kapanen on the right-wing. This line will be the x-factor for the Leafs, you think “Oh? Not JT? Not the Matthews’ line?” No. The Kerfoot line holds the cards and judging by the exhibition game against Montreal, they are up to the task.

For Sheldon Keefe, a coach who played for Tortorella, in Tampa Bay, Keefe will be tasked with “cracking the egg” that is Columbus’ defence. Nick Robertson is the shiny new toy that Keefe gets to crack the egg with.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the superior offensive weapons to be able to beat Columbus and they will do it in 4 games.

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