Toronto Maple Leafs’ Line Combinations vs. Florida Panthers: Rd 2, Gm 3

Game 3 is the first game at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida of round 2. The Toronto Maple Leafs unexpectedly lead the series 2–0 after taking both games in Toronto. Coming off a 4–3 win in Game 2, spirits are high in Leafs’ Nation. The last time they were up 2–0 in the second round was against the Detroit Red Wings in 1987.

Ahead of Game 3, here are the Maple Leafs’ expected line combinations:

Forward lines

Matthew Knies–Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner
Max Pacioretty–John Tavares–William Nylander
Bobby McMann–Max Domi–Pontus Holmberg
Steven Lorentz–Scott Laughton–Calle Jarnkrok

Defence pairs

Morgan Rielly–Brandon Carlo
Jake McCabe–Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit–Oliver Ekman-Larson

Goaltenders

Joseph Woll
Matt Murray

Why fix what is not broken? The Maple Leafs run the same line up that has won them three playoff games in a row. However, the series is not over, and the Maple Leafs would face their greatest test against the Florida Panthers’ in their own barn tonight.

While the power play scored last night, the power play is one for eight in the series against the Panthers so far. The deeper we go into a series, generally less penalties are called. The top power play unit needs to start capitalizing on these opportunities.

The Maple Leafs’ defence corps has played well at both ends of the ice. Notably, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev saved two goals in Wednesday’s game. The defence corps were responsible for 15 of the 25 blocked shots.

The defence has also produced offensively this playoffs, notably getting an assist on each of the four goals in Game 2. Morgan Rielly seems to be focusing on his strengths, offence, with the addition of Brandon Carlo.

The Panthers are going to come out swinging in tonight’s game, desperately avoiding going down 3–0 in the series. With the crowd likely to be electric and the home ice advantage of last change, the Maple Leafs need to match their intensity.