Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
With the Maple Leafs looking towards Tuesday’s game against the Devils, they have made a surprising change to their lineup involving rookie forward Easton Cowan.Coming off a disappointing loss to the Seattle Kraken in OT, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be looking to take out former coach Sheldon Keefe’s New Jersey Devils and get back in the win column as they finish out their five-game homestand.
There isn’t a surefire lineup set for the game yet, however Craig Berube needs to make some changes because something hasn’t clicked yet, and it’s time for him to find some stability and chemistry while he still can.
But did he end up really making a big change?
So it’s not surprising to see that he made changes in practice, but it was who was swapped out is what’s a bit of a shock.
It looks like that Berube has decided to give Easton Cowan less of a spotlight right now, as he was seen wearing a bottom-six jersey, meanwhile the likely two candidates early on in the year; Matias Maccelli and Max Domi, earn top-six roles.
Berube has tried both men previously and while there is hope for Maccelli, he would be best suited to put him with Domi and try to rekindle some old magic.
Craig Berube Trying To End Drought For Two Key Players
Though it might have a lot to do with trying to get both of them back on track. Through the first six games of the season, they have a combined two points (1 goal, 1 assist) and could use a spark from their stars.
William Nylander and John Tavares will definitely need to get Maccelli on track, and they’re the perfect duo to do it, as they have 18 points combined so far this season, and it would give Maccelli a chance to play helper and give Nylander a break.
Matthews covers for Domi’s shortcomings, and for all the flak the latter gets for his performance, he’s able to find a lot of open space which is perfect for a trailing Matthews.
You add Matthew Knies to the mix and there seems to be a solid mix of goal-scoring, playmaking, defense and physicality, plus Domi doesn’t have to play center (thankfully).
If Berube can stick with one lineup for more than half a game, it might end up paying off big for the Toronto Maple Leafs not only on Tuesday night against New Jersey, but going forward this season.
But for now it seems like he’s pausing the Easton Cowan experiment at least temporarily.
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Maple Leafs Make Significant Top-Six Change Involving Easton Cowan
Do you think Easton Cowan deserves to be in the bottom-six?