Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said three of his four lines struggled in Game 3 despite the victory. A different deployment and some game-time decisions could make for a new look for Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said three of his four lines struggled in Game 3 despite the victory. A different deployment and some game-time decisions could make for a new look for Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning
TAMPA — The Toronto Maple Leafs know they were fortunate to get the better of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3. Despite holding a 2-1 series lead and reclaiming home ice after a 4-3 overtime victory on Saturday, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe says there could be a new look for Toronto as they look to get their offense clicking.
"We had three lines that were really struggling the other night," Keefe said before Game 4 on Monday. "In the third period split up Auston (Matthews) and Mitch (Marner) and thought we might be able to help the other lines, those are all the different things that we've got to look at."
Marner leads the way for the Maple Leafs with two goals and six assists in three games and was leading the NHL post-season points race through Sunday when all teams taking part played three games. Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl overtook Marner with nine points but has done it in four games.
Matthews scored his first post-season goal in Game 3, tipping Marner's shot midway in the first period, giving Toronto a 2-1 lead. As the game shifted into the second and third periods, the Maple Leafs struggled to generate much at the net until the final minute when Ryan O'Reilly tied the game with one minute remaining in regulation time.
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In addition to any deployment changes the Maple Leafs will have some "game-time" decisions.
The Maple Leafs have only held optional skates since being in Tampa. On Sunday, the club elected for team meetings and workouts away from the ice and only the scratches put on the skates.
Meanwhile, Tampa defenseman Erik Cernak remains out, stemming from the effects of an illegal check to the head from Toronto forward Michael Bunting. Brayden Point is a game-time decision, but head coach Jon Cooper said he "should be in the lineup".
Tampa is calling this game a must-win. They were in an identical situation last year against Toronto and went on to even up the series with a 7-3 victory.
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Maple Leafs' Sheldon Keefe Opens the Door to Possible Lineup Changes For Game 3 Against Lightning