Maple Leafs Lineup Changes Ahead of Game
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to make a notable change to their lineup before their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Calle Jarnkrok will join the ranks, while Nick Robertson will step out of the lineup.
Recent Performance and Challenges
Coming off a narrow 2-1 shootout defeat to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, the Maple Leafs find themselves in a challenging position, having allowed a single goal that occurred during a power play. Although the Lightning have earned a reputation for having one of the more formidable power plays in the NHL, they currently rank 24th, scoring only 15.9% of the time.
Coaching Insights
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube acknowledges the inherent threat posed by the Lightning’s power play, prompting his decision to make the adjustment. “It’s a strong power play over there,” Berube noted, emphasizing his desire for enhanced penalty-killing capabilities.
Adding Jarnkrok to the mix brings a solid checking line featuring Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz, crucial for facing the Lightning’s offensive threats.
Player Updates
Calle Jarnkrok hasn’t participated in a game since November 28, when the Maple Leafs suffered a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. The veteran forward, 34, has recorded four goals across 18 appearances this season. Meanwhile, Nick Robertson, who has been a consistent presence in the lineup — missing only one game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 24, following which he scored five goals in 11 games — has seen his performance wane in recent outings. Over the last nine games, Robertson has only netted one goal as his average ice time plummeted from 15:46 to 11:21 minutes.
Following Monday’s morning skate, Berube commented on Robertson’s recent struggles, expressing confidence that he can return to form, though he noted the forward has lost some of his spark and drive on the ice, partly due to reduced opportunity.
Additional Lineup Changes
Additionally, Dakota Mermis will be making his way back into the lineup, resulting in Philippe Myers being scratched. The expected lineup for the Maple Leafs against the Lightning is as follows:
- Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Max Domi
- Easton Cowan – John Tavares – William Nylander
- Dakota Joshua – Nicolas Roy – Bobby McMann
- Steven Lorentz – Scott Laughton – Calle Jarnkrok
- Morgan Rielly – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- Jake McCabe – Troy Stecher
- Simon Benoit – Dakota Mermis
Dennis Hildeby will be in goal for the Maple Leafs, with the game scheduled to start shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
