This is going to sound absolutely insane but hear me out

[crump]

It was a nice game for that line. It will be a nice back pocket option in case of a top 2 centre injury. Domi isn’t seeing that icetime with Matthews and Tavares as centres especially during playoffs. Consequently Marner and Knies both reduce their TOI or one of Tavares or Matthews has Robertson and Jarnkrok as their linemates. My question is why hasn’t Domi showed that energy more often.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I figured you would come around by January, so a little earlier than expected. People are finally starting to appreciate that this is a different team than years past. Last night's game is actually irrelevant other than as the continuation of a maturation process. Pittsburgh is a terrible team, so running up the score on them is meaningless. What matters is watching how the team is coming together as players naturally find and get comfortable with their role in the larger structure.

It has nothing to do with "coming around", I just try to be objective at all times. When they play badly, I will say so and when they play well, I will also say so. When they don't stand up for each other, I'm disgusted and when they do stand up for each other, that gives me hope.

They might take over first place at some point, we'll see. The chances of this happening look a lot better than they did as they are now playing better and Boston has slowed down but it's far from a sure thing, and their place in the standings is still pumped up by gimmick points. The reason I sometimes take issue with your statements, it's not that the things you're saying will happen are that unlikely to happen, it's way you state them, as if these things are guaranteed to happen. There are no guarantees in life, and saying on any given night that the Leafs "will win" or that they "will" take over first place at some point is nothing more than irrational homerism. I'm a bit of a homer too, I think that's only natural being a fan but at the same time, I try to stay realistic.

Also, I really don't care much about first place. Play your best in the playoffs, that's all I'm hoping for.

 

[notDatsyuk]

JT is getting screwed there, I like both Jarnkork and Gregor but they JT deserves to have a talent of his caliber on his line.

JT works best with grinders - swapping Bert for one of those faster players would be better.

 

[MarMarSab3]

I want to see Domi-Matthews-Marner.

Marner is better away from Matthews as Matthews is better away from Marner

 

[Puckstuff]

JT works best with grinders - swapping Bert for one of those faster players would be better.

I think you and I have been saying this for 2 years.

This top 9 would be very good.

Robertson-Matthews-Nylander
Knies-Domi-Marner
Bertuzzi-Tavares-Jarnkrok

 

[notDatsyuk]

I think you and I have been saying this for 2 years.

This top 9 would be very good.

Robertson-Matthews-Nylander
Knies-Domi-Marner
Bertuzzi-Tavares-Jarnkrok

I've been saying that for a lot more than 2 years, but more people are seeing it lately.

I'm not completely sold on Robertson. I didn't mind Gregor there when it was a temporary fill in for Knies, and now I'm reluctant to split that second line.

I think to an extent it doesn't matter who is with Matty and Willy. Nice problem to have.

 

[leafsfan5]

Jarnkrok - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Marner
Gregor - Tavares - Bertuzzi
McMann - Kampf - Holmberg

I don't know where Robertson fits into the lineup anymore tbh

 

[The Podium]

Domi said it felt like old times with Mitch. The after game 590 guys liked it too, because Marner is so good defensively, he brings that balance. Knies doesn't even know how good he is yet, that goal gave me goose bumps.

Should’ve seen it live from behind the net

 

[Evilhomer]

Jarnkrok - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Marner
Gregor - Tavares - Bertuzzi
McMann - Kampf - Holmberg

I don't know where Robertson fits into the lineup anymore tbh

He, like Reaves, can be depth for the playoffs. Not a problem at all.

 

[Clark4Ever]

If nothing else, it showed Keefe that Domi is quite capable of playing more minutes effectively with more talented linemates.

The only potential issue I see with rolling 3 offensive lines is that there might not be enough ice time to go around for the big guns. I'm all for it, but I'm not sure how they'll react to reduced ice time.

 

[DarkKnight]

Jarnkrok - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Marner
Gregor - Tavares - Bertuzzi
McMann - Kampf - Holmberg

I don't know where Robertson fits into the lineup anymore tbh

Robertson>>Holmberg. especially if you're putting him on the wing. All Holmberg has done since last year mid season is disappoint. Gregor is fine on the 4th too.

 

[Buds17]

Jarnkrok - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Marner
Gregor - Tavares - Bertuzzi
McMann - Kampf - Holmberg

I don't know where Robertson fits into the lineup anymore tbh

There are pending UFAs in that group, and I wouldn't state that either McMann or Holmberg have solidified spots just yet (TBF, the same can arguably be said of Robertson, albeit to the lesser degree).

 

[LeafalCrusader]

I’d love to try that line again as well. But personally I’d try
Bertuzzi Matthews Nylander
Knies Domi Marner
Robertson Tavares Jarnkrok

I'd like to see this as well. Though I can't see JT going on the 3rd line.

 

[GoonieFace]

Vince McMann needs to stay, big kid that can skate, perfect 4th liner

 

[leafsfan5]

Robertson>>Holmberg. especially if you're putting him on the wing. All Holmberg has done since last year mid season is disappoint. Gregor is fine on the 4th too.

If we're going with 3 scoring lines, I'd want the 4th line to be more of a defensive, time-wasting line that can take defensive zone draws. Robertson isn't good for that while Holmberg is

Maybe Robertson fits on L3 with Tavares/Bertuzzi

 

[DarkKnight]

If we're going with 3 scoring lines, I'd want the 4th line to be more of a defensive, time-wasting line that can take defensive zone draws. Robertson isn't good for that while Holmberg is

Maybe Robertson fits on L3 with Tavares/Bertuzzi

That's where Gregor fits in. Leave him on the fourth and he can PK. I don't know why a guy on an over 40 point pace with no PP time , pure hustle, can't stick? What more do we want?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

JT works best with grinders - swapping Bert for one of those faster players would be better.

If you wanted to put Bertuzzi there I'd be OK with that It's Gregor that I'd have an issue with, I like Gregor he's been very very good, he shouldn't be with John Tavares.

Although doing that keeps Domi in the top 6 at C, and I don't think management wants that seeing as Treliving was on overdrive fairly recently and specifically mentioned wanting not just a defense upgrade but also a 3rd line center.

 

[ACC1224]

That's where Gregor fits in. Leave him on the fourth and he can PK. I don't know why a guy on an over 40 point pace with no PP time , pure hustle, can't stick? What more do we want?

Gregor has been excellent, no issues with his play.

 

[Maple Leaf]

Ya why not try it out does Keefe have it in him?

 

[lipstickjunkie]

All I know is Matthews and Nylander have been too good together to split up.
And the Knies-Domi-Marner line looked really good.
And JT-Bertuzzi have looked good together and their playing style seems to mesh well.

So the lines basically take care of themselves

Jarnkrok-Matthews-Nylander
Knies-Domi-Marner
Bertuzzi-Tavares-Robertson/Gregor
Whoever is left

 

[TakeTheBody]

Drawing names out of a hat is pretty much equal to the keen mind of Sheldon Cooper Keefe. Especially in the playoffs.

 

[rumman]

If nothing else, it showed Keefe that Domi is quite capable of playing more minutes effectively with more talented linemates.

The only potential issue I see with rolling 3 offensive lines is that there might not be enough ice time to go around for the big guns. I'm all for it, but I'm not sure how they'll react to reduced ice time.

It’s a team game, one would hope spreading the ice time around wouldn’t be a issue, as the one cliche goes “there’s no I in team………”

 

[ponder]

In light of the amazing game and chemistry that Domi had with Knies and Marner tonight. Plus the good game that the line of Bertuzzi JT and Nylander had as well.

Would you guys be opposed if Keefe stuck with those 2 lines for the start of next game and had Matthews when he's back in the lineup center a line of either Gregor/Robertson or Gregor/Jarnkrok just to see what happens? And potentially see if Matthews could possibly get 2 of those guys going?

I'm not going to lie. I would love to see it. Now let me reiterate. This would obviously be just a temporary thing. You clearly can't have a guy like Matthews playing on a 3rd line and of course eventually he would return to the top line. But I am just saying, I wouldn't be opposed to this experiment even if it's just for half a period or perhaps a full period.

I just want to see if Domi's amazing game tonight with Knies and Marner together was just a fluke or not. And clearly Matthews has shown he can drive his own line. So I would be very curious to try this out.

What do you guys think?

P.S I know I am crazy. Lol.

I legitimately think it’s worth a shot. When a team gets 3 lines that are absolutely buzzing, they’re extremely hard to stop - think the Sid/Geno/Phil Pens.

I’d love to see this get some extended burn:

Robertson - Matthews - Jarnkrok
Bertuzzi - JT - Nylander
Knies - Domi - Marner
McMann - Kampf - Gregor

Obviously Matthews has pretty weak wingers in this scenario, but he’s one of the few players out there that’s good enough to carry a line on his own, and he’d see weaker defensive matchups with lines 2 and 3 both being exceptionally dangerous. It’d be more 3 equal lines than a traditional 1st/2nd/3rd line setup.

 

[Mckay]

You want to cut Matthews ice time? If he is on the 3rd line, he is going to get 3rd line minutes.

 

[hotpaws]

JT is getting screwed there, I like both Jarnkork and Gregor but they JT deserves to have a talent of his caliber on his line.

life doesn't revolve around Johnny Net Front

he'll be just fine hanging around the crease and banging in the garbage with those two , we don't need to waste Marner/Nylander on his wing and Bert and him occupy to much of the same space in the offensive zone