In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at some of the line changes that have trickled down from – in my opinion – the successful comeback fostered by a re-jigged third line that helped the Maple Leafs pull out an improbable victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 21.
First, Calle Jarnkrok has been moved to the Maple Leafs’ top line. No surprise really. That was a move Auston Matthews requested last season because he felt that Jarnkrok’s versatility and chemistry with him and Mitch Marner aided their production.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
In a corresponding move, Tyler Bertuzzi was shifted from the top line to the second to partner with John Tavares and William Nylander. My guess is that this was done to get Bertuzzi going. He’s not playing poorly, but more was expected of him when he joined the team.
As noted, all these moves are in response to the success of the team’s third line of David Kampf, Max Domi, and Matthew Knies. They were the tipping point in Saturday’s victory, and the lineup configurations have been a domino effect from that.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Jarnkrok & Kampf Are Underappreciated
Finally, Joseph Woll has been outstanding as the team’s relief goalie. Without him, the Maple Leafs would not have won the game. He’s made a real positive impact thanks to his work ethic and composure. What happens now?
Item One: Calle Jarnkrok Has Moved to the Maple Leafs Top Line
Calle Jarnkrok’s move to the Maple Leafs’ top line is fitting. First, he’s a versatile player who can adapt to different roles on the team, and he’s a cheaper version of Alex Kerfoot from last season. Jarnkrok plays a 200-foot game and excels in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. That makes him an ideal fit for a top-line role with Matthews and Marner.
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He also had strong chemistry with the team’s first line last season, which made head coach Sheldon Keefe’s choice easy. One article from last March called Jarnkrok Matthews’ favorite new winger – after Marner, I would guess.
I imagine Keefe is still experimenting with different line combinations as a way to optimize the team’s production. The lines could be better, and it’s no surprise adjustments are being made after every game. The lineup has good depth, but not good balance. Given the recent production from the third line, if the team can develop enough firepower to keep opponents from focusing solely on shutting down the top line, that would be a practical benefit.
Related: Today in Hockey History: Oct. 24
How can the team most effectively maximize its options in a strategic manner? That question is still being worked out.
Item Two: Bertuzzi Gets a Chance with Tavares and Nylander
In Tuesday’s (Oct. 24) game against the Washington Capitals, Bertuzzi will move to the second line alongside Tavares and Nylander. I expect Keefe is trying to squeeze more production from Bertuzzi. The Jarnkrok move was the residual effect.
Bertuzzi’s move to the second line indicates a shift in the team’s strategy as well as a reassessment of his place on the team. So far, he hasn’t delivered up to expectations, playing on the top line with Marner and Matthews. While it seemed like a no-brainer before the season began, the logic of that trio hasn’t translated to the ice. The second-line change presents a chance for the team to explore another way to maximize his contribution.
On paper, putting Bertuzzi with Tavares and Nylander should work. He is a reliable left-winger. Thus far this season, both Tavares and Nylander have been producing like crazy; they share the lead in scoring with nine points in five games. The line has been excellent.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Bertuzzi & Domi: Long Term or One-and-Done?
Bertuzzi might (a) engage his skills in a new context, (b) regain his confidence, and (c) contribute more to his team’s success. We’ll see how well he performs beginning tonight in Washington.
Item Three: Third Line Success Means Changes Other Places
The surprising performance of Max Domi and Matthew Knies against the Lightning sparked a number of changes to the lineup. Now we get to see whether their chemistry was a one-off or if they’ll offer the Maple Leafs a potent third line that scores as well as shuts down opponents.
Moving David Kampf to the third-line center position was important. He’d been almost invisible this season. He gives the line that defensive presence that works with Domi’s speed, strength, and playmaking skills. Knies also looks to be a solid 200-foot player for the Maple Leafs.
Could this line become a strong trio, leveraging the complementary skills of Kampf and Knies in the defensive zone with Domi’s attempts to become the best version of himself? We haven’t seen the best version yet.
Item Four: Joseph Woll Earned the Start in Washington Tonight
In a crucial moment against the Lightning, Keefe made a decision to replace Ilya Samsonov with Joseph Woll. It turned out to be the perfect move. Woll entered the game and stopped the puck from crossing the goal line.
Related: Joseph Woll Could Be Key to Maple Leafs’ Future
Making an impressive 29 saves, he held his team in the game until the offense got its act together to force overtime and then win it. Given Woll’s short history with the team over his third season, his success is no longer a surprise. He’s a clutch performer.
He’s calm, controls rebounds, and makes critical saves. Even better, Woll seems to be injecting confidence into his teammates. After the game, Domi compared him to the legendary Carey Price in terms of the way he engages as an NHL goalie – relaxed in the crease and technically sound.
His teammates have to appreciate Woll’s humility. There’s nothing look-at-me about him. Who wouldn’t want to give their best to take care of their goalie when he steps up without puffing up?
So far, Woll has outperformed Samsonov. After his performance against the Lightning, Woll now has a remarkable .949 save percentage and a 1.69 goals-against average. He also was a perfect 12-for-12 against high-danger chances. No wonder Keefe has lauded Woll’s outstanding performance as a reliable alternative in goal.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
Although Alex Ovechkin has not had the strongest start to the season, the matchup with the Capitals is always a good one. After starting the season with two straight hat tricks, Matthews hasn’t generated a single point during the last three games. That seldom happens with Matthews. Nor has Marner played exceptionally well.
I’m expecting the team’s first line to come out flying tonight. Here’s hoping the team can build off the momentum of its comeback win against the Lightning on Saturday night.