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Lineup tinkering coming to a conclusion?; Leafs vs Capitals |
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The Toronto Maple Leafs received a baptism of fire in their playoff loss to the Washington Capitals six months ago, forcing the two-time President’s Trophy winner to overtime five times in a six-game first round series.
As the two clubs face each other for the first time this season at the Capital One Arena on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs added veterans Patrick Marleau, Ron Hainsey and Dominic Moore, but otherwise are the same squad that made the post-season six months ago, while the Capitals underwent some significant roster changes over the summer.
After failing to get past Pittsburgh for the second straight season, the Caps dealt Marcus Johansson to New Jersey, lost Justin Williams, Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk in free agency and Nate Schmidt in the expansion draft.
“Both teams are different, I think that happens each and every year, but the bottom line is (the Capitals) are a good team, they have real good players and will be a handful tonight.” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said after the morning skate in Washington.
The losses on the blueline have taken their toll on the Caps (who have allowed 22 goals), but Alex Ovechkin’s league leading nine goals have kept Washington in the mix early this season.
The Leafs will continue to tinker with their lineup, as Calle Rosen replaces Andreas Borgman on the third defensive pairing with Connor Carrick and Dominic Moore replaces Eric Fehr as the fourth line center between Matt Martin and Mitch Marner.
Toronto head coach Mike Babcock has rotated centers on the fourth line over the first five games, but that is not expected to continue.
“We are trying to figure that all out and we decided instead of having a knee-jerk reaction to really figure it out and give them both time.” Babcock said. “We’ve liked what’s gone thus far and so at this point we’re still a few games away from deciding.”
Statistically, it does not appear to be much of a contest between the veteran forwards. Moore (who was signed to a one-year, $1 Million contract over the summer) has two goals in two games played and has won 68% of his faceoffs. Fehr has gone scoreless in three games and is 51.8% on faceoffs, but provides a big-body presence and has been good on the penalty kill.
Rosen has not played since the Leafs 6-3 loss to New Jersey last Wednesday after going -2 in just over 12 minutes of ice time. The 23-year-old and Borgman appear to be in a similar circumstance as Moore and Fehr, getting an extended tryout before the club decides to go one way or the other.
With Travis Dermott in the AHL and veteran Roman Polak still practicing with the club, the Leafs still have internal options to explore over the next few months. If there is no significant improvement in the play of their defense, it may be an area where GM Lou Lamoriello looks to improve via the trade market later in the season.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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