Keefe sticks with winning lineup
Leafs coach sees positives, even with 11 forwards
Perhaps it was little surprising, because the usage of 11 forwards and seven defencemen isn’t overly common, but Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said he won’t touch anything with the lineup that beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 on Monday.
Mikko Lehtonen will play in his second NHL game on the blue line when the Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday and wingers will be rotated on the fourth line with centre Jason Spezza and Wayne Simmonds.
Adam Brooks practised on the left wing on the Spezza line on Tuesday but will not play.
“We liked what we were able to get out of Mikko (on Monday), giving him that experience,” Keefe said. “Having only one power play made it even harder to get him on the ice and give him some minutes, but we want to keep giving him that opportunity and that exposure.
“I liked how the 11 forwards flowed. There’s some things about it that aren’t great, but I think the positives are enough.”
Frederik Andersen will be in the Leafs net. Against the Oilers in his career, Andersen is 12-0-1 with a .928 save percentage. Just two other NHL teams — the Detroit Red Wings and the Jets — have not beaten Andersen in regulation. Andersen is 10-02 against Winnipeg and 9-01 against Detroit.
MO IS MORE
Keefe initially bristled a bit when he was asked how TJ Brodie makes Morgan Rielly’s life easier on the ice.
“I don’t know why we focus so much on the effect that has on Morgan,” Keefe said. “Morgan is making his own life easier just the way he’s played this season. He has a tighter gap, he really worked on that, he is moving the puck well, he’s skating really well.
“There’s no question that TJ brings a lot to our team. He’s calm, he’s steady, he’s reliable in all areas of the game. When he has an off-night like he did in Ottawa (last Friday), he brushes it off.
“We’re definitely happy to have him, but let’s not lose sight of the fact Morgan is playing very well too.”
LOOSE LEAFS
Winger Zach Hyman on becoming a father: “It’s hard to describe. It’s the best feeling in the world. I feel re-energized playing for not just myself, my family, but I have a little one now, so it’s awesome. It’s always the best going home and seeing him after a game. It has been pretty special.” Hyman’s wife Alannah recently gave birth to the couple’s son, Theo … Simmonds with some insight on his approach on every shift: “I always say initiate, never retaliate. I like to be first to the body, first to the puck, first to the net.” … Going into NHL games on Tuesday, Justin Holl led all defencemen with four evenstrength points.