That has to happen with the setup because if we end up just being net net with TBL top 6, there is not a lot of help coming from the bottom 6 as currently constructed. Acciari has gone 23 straight playoff games without a point. Jarnkrok has four career playoff goals in 75 career playoff games and Kerfoot is Kerfoot. And I am not expecting much from the 4th line or that they get many mins.

This team has always looked it's best when Matthews was driving his own line and Marner on anther. Now you through in ROR on a third line and you are really cooking.

This is a very safe lineup but that top 6 has to dominate.


Hopefully Keefe finally gets it right

I agree my lineup would still be:

Bunting - Matthews - Jarnkrok
Kerfoot - JT - Marner
Knies - ROR - Nylander
ZAR/Lafferty - Kampf - Acciari

Or at the very least I'd split M&M. Though on the other hand, now we do have a legit terrifying second top line that has clicked, maybe we don't need to disrupt the M&M chemistry. Lots of good answers to the lineup question, Keefe just has to be ready to move things around to play to each options' strengths when needed.

but I also like this lineup. ROR is a real key in that you can move him mid game situationally. Lots of flexibility, even mid game.

I agree my lineup would still be:

Bunting - Matthews - Jarnkrok
Kerfoot - JT - Marner
Knies - ROR - Nylander
ZAR/Lafferty - Kampf - Acciari

Or at the very least I'd split M&M. Though on the other hand, now we do have a legit terrifying second top line that has clicked, maybe we don't need to disrupt the M&M chemistry. Lots of good answers to the lineup question, Keefe just has to be ready to move things around to play to each options' strengths when needed.

but I also like this lineup. ROR is a real key in that you can move him mid game situationally. Lots of flexibility, even mid game.

I like everything about your lineup except for Knies. He looks impressive but he also makes mistakes out there (probably because he's not familiar with where to expect line mates etc.) and truthfully, this team cannot afford mistakes against Tampa. It's also putting alot of pressure on a young kid when he's not played at this level.

I like everything about your lineup except for Knies. He looks impressive but he also makes mistakes out there (probably because he's not familiar with where to expect line mates etc.) and truthfully, this team cannot afford mistakes against Tampa. It's also putting alot of pressure on a young kid when he's not played at this level.

Luke Fox on Kyper and Bourne explained it best. Knies is someone u really dont want to start a series but u throw in say Tampa goes up 2-0 or something like that. As the kid played 3 meaningless games let be honest (Home ice was secured before he played) and never played at home nor had a practice.

Hopefully we dont need to have him come in (unless injury) as I like how the lines are top to bottom without him

As whether ROR is the 2 or 3c the guys inserted rn just fit the style we need for this matchup

I can see why Knies is a scratch, but did you see what Faber did last night? These guys are completely helpless. Knies ROR and Nylander also looked great. I think Knies did everything he needed to in those 3 games, regardless of the stakes

I also can’t get behind the argument it’s better to put him in if you are down in the Series. So what, now he is supposed to be a saviour? You ice your best lineup, IMO TOR is a better team with Knies on it.

I don’t trust Sammy very much. That wasn’t his fault but still

That was on AstonReese and Holl. Nothing to do with Sammy.

Not been impressed with McCabe so far

And Giordano just feels like he aged 10 years

Alright guys I'm turning this off for my own sanity. WHAT THE **** ARE WE EVEN DOING.