The Maple Leafs were disappointing in a loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, with Sergei Bobrovsky stealing the show, and now, we know the reason behind one surprising move from the Leafs coach.
A major demotion
After a tough start to the game, the Leafs came out in the second period with a very different first line, as it was Calle Jarnkrok who took the third spot alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, not Tyler Bertuzzi.
Now, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has revealed exactly why this move was made, and what the Leafs lines will look like as the season truly gets under way.
Bert's playing less than 100 percent right now. It's very clear from the pace of the game, the physicality and competitiveness of the game and the difficulty of the matchups. Whoever was going to play with Auston (Matthews and Mitch (Marner) needed a lot and I thought lightening his load was beneficial to him.
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A disappointing start
Despite the explosive start from the Leafs top-six, Bertuzzi has managed just one goal through four games, and now, it appears that he'll be getting a few games rest to get back to 100%.
Either way, the Leafs will always be confident with a group led by Matthews and Marner, and if they can continue to roll, there's no doubting this will be an incredibly tough team to beat down the stretch.
As Read on Hockey Patrol - Sheldon Keefe Reveals Why Tyler Bertuzzi Was Demoted
Previously on Daily Hockey Dose
| POLL | ||
20 OCTOBRE | 95 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe Reveals reason behind surprising Tyler Bertuzzi Move Should Bertuzzi return to the top line when healthy? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 70.5 % |
| No | 28 | 29.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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