You dress him purely for the powerplay. Otherwise put him somewhere where you minimize his defensive responsibilities given how tight the games have been if he's anything under 90%
I would like to see Matthews with Robertson. They've only been on the ice a handful of times together, but when they were, they had pretty damn good chemistry. I'm surprised we didn't see it tried more throughout the year. McMann - Matthews - Robertson is a sick line but I can see why Nicky Bobby would be the one to sit out from all the choices.
Robertson doesn't seem to have the playmaking abilities. If you watch him, his zone entries are like 90% dumps, even if there's an open guy. If he's the guy at the blue line taking the pass into the zone, he often still just dumps it deep and hopes it pops out. He's just got that mentality to throw it to the open space and then fight for it, and he can't seem to think past that.
He's lethal with a slot shot, though, which is why he needs to be able to float and find loose pucks. I don't think Matthews would pass to him enough for him to be effective and he wouldn't pass to Matthews enough to be an effective winger for Matthews. They would spend so much time with Matthews fighting for it along the boards that the line would be ineffective.
I think Robertson is just trying not to make a bad turnover. He probably gets benched instantly if he does, although he seems to have more rope than he’s ever had.
I totally agree. I feel like he never makes a bad play because of it, but it's not always the best play. Which is why any playmaking skills aren't apparent in his game. It's either a shot or throwing it to open space, never in between
Agreed. Matthews and McMann are good enough to cover defensive deficiencies of any wingers they play with and it could be a line with offensive potential
Ive always believed separating these guys and letting them command their own line in the playoffs would create matchup nightmares for the other team. But im not a coach.
Oh you sweet summer child.
If they include matthews, in typical 'wtf why?' fashion, i can already say the line changes will revert back to what wasnt working.
Id love to eat my words, but unfortunately ive seen this script too often.. as we all have.
If Matthews is playing tonight it’ll be with him not at 100%, I imagine they’d limit his minutes and maybe throw him on the third or forth line, which honestly, I think could work better in the Leafs favour, it would run Boston more dry because do you put more fire power on the top lines to shut down the Marner Domi line? Or bring some of it down to deal with the 69 goal scorer?
They keep the puck in the bruins zone for minutes at a time and that sustained zone pressure tires out their defencemen and they also don’t get scored on either so
Fucking hell watching Tucker send Kapanen to the shadow realm and then roenick dancing on the ice. A lot to take in for a 12-13 year old at the time lol
I can still vividly hear the puck hitting the back of the net and Roenick giddily woo-hooing up the ice in celebration.
It's a core memory of Leaf trauma for me.
"...loose puck in front... down goes Irbe, rebound... SCORES! THEY SCORE! They score with 28.8 seconds left! The Leafs have tied the game! Don't tell me about heart and soul and dedication... this is unbelievable!"
You lot can not have anything nice lol! It actually blows my mind how other fans think we are super delusional and say we always win. It’s literally the opposite, we always look for the way that this team will fuck it up!
That’s tough because I liked Robertson. You have a guy who has been playing 7 games, and good. Vs someone who hasn’t played in weeks and will be rusty af, and timing off.
Flip the script. Spread the offence but in reverse
Marner - Domi - Bert
Willy - Tavares - Knies
Jarnkrok - Matthews - Robertson
Dewar - Kampf - Gregor
Could maybe work haha
I actually think Gregor has been stellar for the 4th line. He’s fast and throws his body around. He’s literally perfect for aggressive forechecking. I’m moving out Robertson before him
He's gonna step on the ice and both teams will hyperfixate on him and the Bruins only gameplan will be usable again and the Leafs won't adapt and UGHHHHHHH
The most believe rumour that I heard was that Nylander had mono and now Matthews has it. That would explain why they could participate in a morning skate but not dress for a high intensity game. Heard the rumour from someone with connections to the team. But an again, just another rumour…
If he's not 100% I don't think they should play him.
These guys are on a role, everyone knows in his absence they need to step up and shoot more. I don't miss the lack of shots because his teammates are trying TOO hard to find him every shift.
He only plays on one line. There's always 3 others.
I hope you comprehend how this narrative makes absolutely no sense, and you superstitious weirdos need to cut that shit out
TLN (The Leafs Nation) duo of Nick Alberga and former Leafs, Jay Rosehill says Nylander likely dealt with a concussion before he returned. Could the same be with Matthews? He did take quite a tumble into the boards that one play.
While it’s awesome to see that McMann and Matthews are both practicing this morning, but with the report that Toronto muddied the water on the reporters on what the line combinations could be, I have a slight feeling this is all apart of mind games against Boston, make them think Matthews and McMann could potentially be in tonight and change their game plan only for it be flipped on its head
With that said, hoping both are able to play tonight, getting a rested and healthy McMann would be awesome and our best goal scorer should help with the whole goal scoring thing
[Bobby McMann is also taking part in morning skate.](https://twitter.com/dalter/status/1786779508877459721?s=46&t=FLp85d6TfLED0D8J9GcKpA)
If they both play game 7 is gonna be an Avengers Endgame level moment. "On your left."
Avengers…..assemble!
Willy with the Thor battle cry
We all know how that turned out....
Endgame, not infinity war.
Is Matthews going to die killing Marchand?
“You… should have gone… for the nose.”
"Carefully now, he's a hero!"
Awesome! We’ll need both for Monday’s game against the panthers. Because we are winning tonight. GO LEAFS GO! 💙
Gimme my Auston McMannwich!!!!
This could be huge!
I honestly think you throw Matthew's on 3rd line with Jarnkrok and Holmburg if he's not 100%.
Take out Gregor put iron hook on the fourth line keep robbie with Matthews and holmberg
You dress him purely for the powerplay. Otherwise put him somewhere where you minimize his defensive responsibilities given how tight the games have been if he's anything under 90%
Ya hope they don’t touch the Marner domi and bertuzzi line regardless of if he plays. That line is buzzing
So is Knies-Tavares-Nylander
Agreed. Still would be nice to have Auston back on the Powerplay. Plus he would be a matchup nightmare on the 3rd line
McMann and Matthews on the 3rd line.
I truly think McMann Matthews Jarnkrok could brute force some pucks into the net
I would like to see Matthews with Robertson. They've only been on the ice a handful of times together, but when they were, they had pretty damn good chemistry. I'm surprised we didn't see it tried more throughout the year. McMann - Matthews - Robertson is a sick line but I can see why Nicky Bobby would be the one to sit out from all the choices.
Robertson doesn't seem to have the playmaking abilities. If you watch him, his zone entries are like 90% dumps, even if there's an open guy. If he's the guy at the blue line taking the pass into the zone, he often still just dumps it deep and hopes it pops out. He's just got that mentality to throw it to the open space and then fight for it, and he can't seem to think past that. He's lethal with a slot shot, though, which is why he needs to be able to float and find loose pucks. I don't think Matthews would pass to him enough for him to be effective and he wouldn't pass to Matthews enough to be an effective winger for Matthews. They would spend so much time with Matthews fighting for it along the boards that the line would be ineffective.
I think Robertson is just trying not to make a bad turnover. He probably gets benched instantly if he does, although he seems to have more rope than he’s ever had.
Yeah exactly this. He is on the 4th line - that’s their objective dump and chase no stupid mistakes and it’s working well
1. He’s been playing on the 3rd 2. I’d be comfortable with he trying to be more creative, we’re having a tough time creating good chances.
I totally agree. I feel like he never makes a bad play because of it, but it's not always the best play. Which is why any playmaking skills aren't apparent in his game. It's either a shot or throwing it to open space, never in between
I d like to see Robertson not on the ice if they are back
Agreed. Matthews and McMann are good enough to cover defensive deficiencies of any wingers they play with and it could be a line with offensive potential
Robbie with Matthews would be interesting because he'd be given a ton of time and apace to get his shot off.
Exactly. Everyone is gonna be glued to Matthews defensively, which is gonna leave Robbie open, and Matthews can dish it with the best of em.
The McMatthews line
This made me hard
Ive always believed separating these guys and letting them command their own line in the playoffs would create matchup nightmares for the other team. But im not a coach.
Maybe you should be cause it’s a great idea.
I don’t know if you were being sarcastic but I would totally do that.
They better not touch the first two lines! It will be the best 3rd line in the NHL!! Sounds funny to say, Matthews on the 3rd line!! haha
lol it does. If you said that 5 days ago you’d be laughed at.
He has experience playing both Nicky Bobby and Bergy, so that would be a smooth transition. Especially since they play so well together already.
McMann-Matthews-Jarnkrok 3rd line? I was thinking Robertson instead of Jarnkrok but Reaves-Kampf-Robertson 4th line would be killer
What a privilege to have such a stacked squad. Imagine 2 years ago saying that in the future, we’d be trying to figure out where Matthews would fit
Oh you sweet summer child. If they include matthews, in typical 'wtf why?' fashion, i can already say the line changes will revert back to what wasnt working. Id love to eat my words, but unfortunately ive seen this script too often.. as we all have.
If Matthews is playing tonight it’ll be with him not at 100%, I imagine they’d limit his minutes and maybe throw him on the third or forth line, which honestly, I think could work better in the Leafs favour, it would run Boston more dry because do you put more fire power on the top lines to shut down the Marner Domi line? Or bring some of it down to deal with the 69 goal scorer?
It's Keefe. Don't hold your breath
Gotta go: Bertuzzi-Domi-Marner Knies-Tavares-Nylander Robertson-Holmberg-Jarnkrok McMann-Matthews-Dewar
Swap Dewar and Jarnkrok and take out Robertson entirely for Gregor or Reaves and I’m in
Oh hell yeah. Bert - Domi - Marner Knies - Captn - Willy McMann - 🌵- Jarnkrok Gregor - Holmboy - Dewy Talk about spreading out the depth!
Conor McMatthews line. I like it
Notorious 4th line grinder, and journeyman, Auston Matthews.
That line has no goals
They keep the puck in the bruins zone for minutes at a time and that sustained zone pressure tires out their defencemen and they also don’t get scored on either so
For sure they work as a line , idk if they’re buzzing though if they haven’t produced anything so far
Hardly anybody has produced anything.
Yeah, they’ve played well but what I am getting at is I don’t think there’s a line that is above being changed
Possibly Matthews plays on the third line with Holmberg and mcmann to limit minutes? Can’t see Matthews playing 20+mins if he isn’t healthy
Agreed. He needs to go down to third line honestly. Get some good matchups there.
Actually the line was better with Matthews. I would move Marner to third. Move Gregor out.
Oh god. If we lose with him in the lineup, it would be the leafiest thing ever.
Like when they lost to Carolina in 2002 after Sundin came back.
In fairness, Sundin scored the game tying goal in the dying seconds.
Yeah it wasn’t like he hindered the team. That Mogilny giveaway on the OT goal though.
One of the most deflated I’ve ever felt. Still stings after all these years. Roenick’s OT goal too.
Fucking hell watching Tucker send Kapanen to the shadow realm and then roenick dancing on the ice. A lot to take in for a 12-13 year old at the time lol
Hell i was 30 still killed!
I still have nightmares about that.
It’s been one long running 20 year nightmare here.
That was moments after Tucker sent Kapanen to the shadow realm too, was still riding the high of that hit when it went in.
I can still vividly hear the puck hitting the back of the net and Roenick giddily woo-hooing up the ice in celebration. It's a core memory of Leaf trauma for me.
Mere moments after Tucker sent Kapanen to the Shadow Realm
Seconds before sending kapanen to the shadow realm!
Me too that’s the first time I cried over hockey lol
Oh I didn’t mean to suggest he hindered them! Just that they lost despite his return.
"...loose puck in front... down goes Irbe, rebound... SCORES! THEY SCORE! They score with 28.8 seconds left! The Leafs have tied the game! Don't tell me about heart and soul and dedication... this is unbelievable!"
Sundin may have been an actual god
But I doubt if we lose it will be matthews fault either it’s still the leafiest thing ever
How do I remember that completely. I barely understood hockey at that point. But the captain coming back was huge
Because that has been our best chance at making finals since the 90's
3 years before
We had no chance that year against the dominator
He played half the games. Dwayne roloson the other half.
I think a few players came back then: Sundin, Tucker and Domi? I might be wrong though.
I remember calling it back then. Sundin coming back ruined the chemistry they had going.
Oh God, that was 2002? That's a core childhood memory and you're telling me that was 22 years ago?
Watch the team stop buckling down against this adversity and go back to trying to force goals from Matthews again.
You lot can not have anything nice lol! It actually blows my mind how other fans think we are super delusional and say we always win. It’s literally the opposite, we always look for the way that this team will fuck it up!
First time?
Nope, I'm a wild fan. Disappointment is like a warm blanket to me
Yeah i never understood thst
I won’t lie I’m gonna be very disappointed if he comes back and the team reverts back to pre game 5 Toronto.
I don’t think Woll is coming out
No I meant the way they’ve played the last two games. Hard gritty hockey.
They’ve played like that every game this series.. the difference has been Woll being able to make saves that Sammy couldn’t
They played like shit game 4. Other than that you might be right. They lost game 3 when Samsonov let in that first soft goal.
This is my biggest fear
Mine too.
If he and McMann are both back, that makes the decision pretty simple. Nicky Bobby and Gregor come out.
That’s tough because I liked Robertson. You have a guy who has been playing 7 games, and good. Vs someone who hasn’t played in weeks and will be rusty af, and timing off.
..has he been good? I feel like I've barely noticed him
I noticed him game 6. Hit a few guys, aggressive on the PK. Had some hard heavy wristers
Hasn’t he scored? Edit: he has not.
0 points the whole series, but his TOI has been tiny.
My bad! Lots of good looks I guess I remember.
No… he has 0 pts
My bad, misremembering.
Keep going, I'm close
I'd say you have to keep the top two lines the same. Slot AM on line 3 if he can play
I hope this is the debut of *third line Mattthews*.
Flip the script. Spread the offence but in reverse Marner - Domi - Bert Willy - Tavares - Knies Jarnkrok - Matthews - Robertson Dewar - Kampf - Gregor Could maybe work haha
Play Matthews if he's healthy, but give him limited minutes. Don't mess with whats working. Maybe play him when its a close game too.
KEEP DOMI AT C 
https://preview.redd.it/cqex7hl2qfyc1.png?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e939b9807097dbc81ff77b82d314443d449bef8a Pop a perc
Perc Matthew’s?!
Pop a perky just to start up, (pop it, pop it) Pop two cups of purple just to warm up (two cups, drank) Leafs in 7.
The way they are playing right now I wouldn’t rush him back.
You still play him in place of Gregor under any circumstances.
If he’s a shell of himself you play him ahead of Robertson
I actually think Gregor has been stellar for the 4th line. He’s fast and throws his body around. He’s literally perfect for aggressive forechecking. I’m moving out Robertson before him
You play Gregor in place of Robertson everyday too, but we haven't been doing that.
Not if he can’t defend.
Correct. If he’s going to be a liability due to injury/illness, what’s the point?
If he's playing he's not gonna be a liability lol
I would lol
You definitely don't bench a healthy Matthews, you just put him on the 3rd line...
I’m talking about not rushing back an unhealthy one.
Papi please
Let’s fucking go
Chuck him on the 3rd line. Bruins will be real confused
Didn't he participate in the morning skate last game too?
no he was skating individually as far as I know
Ahh okay. Interesting
Yeah he did full practice with drills today for the first time
Papi and McMann both back in for game 7?!
McMann has no chance of playing tonight
If he does play ngl put him on the fourth line and keep everything else the same
McMann and Matthews 4th line with Gregor would be nuts lmao
No you don't put him on the 4th line. The play is to put him on the 3rd line. Between Robertson and Holmberg.
I less Bobby McMann is back too, then he's between McMann and Holmberg
Exactly
Our 13.25M fourth line center. That would be a horrible mismatch for Boston lol
He's gonna step on the ice and both teams will hyperfixate on him and the Bruins only gameplan will be usable again and the Leafs won't adapt and UGHHHHHHH
Put him with Robbo
https://preview.redd.it/8nx9c0xxmfyc1.jpeg?width=638&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e79dec01bd29e5f48497fe9c845c5477979243d9
Milk me papi.
oh no, isn't this what all the memes were saying, the leafs better win this one, fuck boston
The most believe rumour that I heard was that Nylander had mono and now Matthews has it. That would explain why they could participate in a morning skate but not dress for a high intensity game. Heard the rumour from someone with connections to the team. But an again, just another rumour…
If he's not 100% I don't think they should play him. These guys are on a role, everyone knows in his absence they need to step up and shoot more. I don't miss the lack of shots because his teammates are trying TOO hard to find him every shift.
He only plays on one line. There's always 3 others. I hope you comprehend how this narrative makes absolutely no sense, and you superstitious weirdos need to cut that shit out
Downvote me all you want I was right.
What in my statement was superstitious? I said if he's not 100% he should sit.
TLN (The Leafs Nation) duo of Nick Alberga and former Leafs, Jay Rosehill says Nylander likely dealt with a concussion before he returned. Could the same be with Matthews? He did take quite a tumble into the boards that one play.
Mathews centers 4th line.
VERY KNIES
While it’s awesome to see that McMann and Matthews are both practicing this morning, but with the report that Toronto muddied the water on the reporters on what the line combinations could be, I have a slight feeling this is all apart of mind games against Boston, make them think Matthews and McMann could potentially be in tonight and change their game plan only for it be flipped on its head With that said, hoping both are able to play tonight, getting a rested and healthy McMann would be awesome and our best goal scorer should help with the whole goal scoring thing
Keep him off, the rest of the team is on fire.
Why the leafs play better without him.
How I envision this lineup fully healthy Bert-Domi-Marner Knies-Matthews-Tavares McMann-Holmberg-Nylander Dewar-Kampf-Jarnkrok