Initial Creation Date: Mar. 21, 2022

Published: Mar. 21, 2022

Team: 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs

Idealistically I would not want to split up the 58-34-16 line, but with Nylander and Tavares slumping of late, I would rather pair Marner with Tavares to get him going and have two constant scoring lines. 65-64-47 is a good third line that could be used to shut opponent's top lines, I would not tinker too much for that third line. In a probable physical 7 games series against Florida or Tampa, the Leafs would have to definitely dress a player that could stick up for teammates, and play with a physical presence. We saw last year how our top guys got pushed around by MTL, so it would be ideal to rotate in Simmonds or even Clifford in that 4th line probably for Spezza, as I don't see any of them playing all the games in the playoffs.

For defence we have a lot of options for pairings, but assuming the fit between Gio and Brodie is good I would want them playing together. Rielly and Boosh would be the rest of our Top 4, and I think that they would be able to compete well. Muzzin is not the same player a couple of years ago, so I would assume playing him 3rd pair minutes would allow him to play his game effectively and not push his limits. Sandin is an excellent offensive d-man who should run the 2nd PP unit, and help with the offense.

As our Goaltender situation is in shambles right now, I still expect Campbell to be the starter for Game 1. Campbell excelled last year in the playoffs with a .930 save percentage despite losing the series, and I expect him to bounce and play like himself.

Let me known what you guys think!