Maple Leafs Getting a Huge Boost Before the Playoffs
Veteran Defenceman Jake Muzzin is returning from his second concussion of the season Tuesday night when the Maple Leafs visit the Florida Panthers.
https://www.tsn.ca/jake-muzzin-toronto-maple-leafs-florida-panthers-return-from-injury-1.1780678
The Leafs haven't had this much quality depth at their disposal from the backend since most fans can remember. With Muzzin's return looming it forces Head Coach Sheldon Keefe into making a tough lineup decision. Who comes out?
The choice comes down to two players Justin Holl or Timothy Liljegren. Muzzin's return will likely push TJ Brodie back to his usual spot on the right side. Ilya Lyubushkin has looked really comfortable with Morgan Rielly to shore up that pair.
Keefe had this to say during Monday Morning's availability «Having the ability to have someone like Giordano down in that third pair right now, I think that's fair to say, that's as comfortable as we've been there. "We've played well as a team defensively and even if this season, whether it was [Rasmus] Sandin or Liljegren there, like, those guys have played good hockey for us."
Both Holl and Liljegren have played very well in Muzzin's absence. With Liljegren already on the third pairing and no mention of Holl on Monday, it seems like the 22-year-old is on his way out of the lineup.
Liljegren's play with Giordano has been spectacular. Giordano has really helped to settle Liljegren down. The pairing of Giordano and Liljegren also leads the Maple Leafs in both xGF% (69.55) and HDCF% (79.17) at five-on-five. It's a small sample size, but even looking at Liljegren's individual numbers it would be shocking to take him out of the lineup.
Holl hasn't played horrible either since Muzzin's been out. At five-on-five this season, the 30-year-old has a 52.83 CF%, 52.63 GF%, 55.12 xGF%, and a 57.25 HDCF%.
It will be difficult to sit either players but at the end of the day its the luxury you have when your a really good team. Maybe a rotation will be the best solution to keep everyone engaged as well as resting veterans for the playoffs. Mark Giordano is 38 with over 1000 games played. With Muzzin's injury history this season having him sit a few games down the stretch might not be a bad idea to ensure he's healthy for the Playoffs.
| POLL | ||
When the playoffs start and all available Defenseman are healthy. Do you start Justin Holl, Timothy Liljegren or Rasmus Sandin? | ||
| Holl | 36 | 22.1 % |
| Liljegren | 57 | 35 % |
| Sandin | 70 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
