Grading the Toronto Maple Leafs New Shuffled Lineup

The 2nd Line

2nd line: Mikheyev – Tavares – Marner

In the first period this line spent very little time in their own zone while generating scoring chances consistently every time they were on the ice.

Marner and Tavares both potted goals on the powerplay and Mikheyev drew a penalty in the first that led to Marner’s powerplay goal. It may be early to declare, but this line could end up being the Toronto Maple Leafs most dangerous unit, despite the fact that Mikheyev, Marner and Tavares made their biggest contributions on special teams.

Tavares looked to regain the spark that seemed to be missing since the team returned from their December break, which will be pivotal for post-season success. (And his OT play where he outmuscled Trevor Zegras almost won the game).

Since Mikheyev has returned from injury the Maple Leafs left side suddenly looks a lot deeper, which allowed Keefe this opportunity to balance the lineup.

And Marner, without Matthews lurking every shift, was balancing his attack more mixing in shooting and passing.  Marner has been fantastic since coming of the I.R and has scored in four straight games.

Overall, Marner and Tavares were together for 13 5v5 minutes, splitting that time almost evenly between Mikheyev and Nylander.  Perhaps the coach shouldn’t have been so quick to take Mikheyev off the line however: When Mikheyev and Marner were together, the Leafs posted a 90% expected-goals rating.

GRADE: A-