Head coach Craig Berube and the Toronto Maple Leafs have started a new project within their lineup. They’re trying a top-heavy line, featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. The trio have graced the same line before. However, they would typically be thrown on the ice whenever the Maple Leafs would need a goal or some offensive pressure. Between those three stars, they’re worth over $35M against the salary cap.
The trio debuted on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres as a mid-game adjustment by Berube. Furthermore, the second line was the centrepiece of the changes. Toronto’s coach thought that the Leafs needed to match the physicality of Tage Thompson‘s line of the Sabres. Alongside Thompson was Alex Tuch, who is a tough power forward in his own right. Therefore, Berube swapped Nylander for Matthew Knies. Knies joined Toronto’s second line, featuring John Tavares and Max Pacioretty. This trio was better suited for the physical battle with Thompson and Tuch. The ‘Super Line’ didn’t score at even strength in that game. Nevertheless, Toronto’s second line had a solid night, highlighted by a Tavares hat trick.
Overall Evaluation of Toronto’s Top Line
Following that contest with Buffalo, Berube decided to keep that top line together for their game against the Dallas Stars. There were plenty of eyes on Marner, Matthews, and Nylander as it was the first full game together. Even Berube before the game mentioned the leash that this line has and stressed that they still have to play the right way.
“With those guys all being together (the message is), don’t be too fancy. You still got to play the right way. Be direct, shoot pucks, get to the net. I talked to these guys, you can’t all be on the outside and want the puck,” Berube said.
It was a mixed-bag type of performance against the Stars for the trio. Unsurprisingly, they were able to create an abundance of high-quality chances, including two goals from Nylander. However, they were a little disorganized and gave up odd-man rushes and breakaways. Furthermore, that line was on the ice for the first two goals the Leafs conceded. Berube highlighted after the game that they could’ve been better in Toronto’s 5-3 win against Dallas.
How Long Will This Trio Stay Together?
Despite Berube’s postgame comments after the victory in Dallas, it looks like that line will be back to play against the team where it started, Buffalo. The Maple Leafs take on the Sabres again on Friday in the first half of a back-to-back. According to Toronto’s lineup in practice, it looks like they’ll get another shot. All eyes will be on the three stars to see if they can play a complete game, earning the trust of the coach.
Keeping this line together comes with its consequences. For example, their scoring isn’t evenly distributed throughout the lineup. The team’s leading goal scorer (Nylander) and point-getter (Marner) are shared on one line. That means there’s more pressure on the Leafs depth to provide more scoring. Although, they have stepped up lately. Toronto has taken a hit in the scoring department compared to last season. Going into Friday’s game, the Leafs currently sit in 18th place in terms of goals scored as a team. Last year they finished as the second-most high-scoring team in the league, only behind the Colorado Avalanche.
Putting the best offensive talent could boost the team’s scoring from just one line. Or, it might hinder the totals because the skill isn’t balanced throughout the lineup. The fate of this project lies in the offensive and defensive success that this line has in the near future.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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