Toronto Maple Leafs Make Puzzling Lineup Decision Against the New York Rangers
Tonight's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers should be an interesting one although the lineup decisions have piqued some interest.
Over the last few games, the Leafs have been getting a front-row view to Alex Steeves, who scored his first-career NHL goal on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Steeves added an assist in that game and while he has yet to register a point since then, he has certainly been a solid member of the fourth line who probably deserves a chance with better linemates.
However, with the Leafs preparing to play the Rangers tonight, head coach Craig Berube has decided to make a decision that may polarize some fans out there.
Ryan Reaves in, Alex Steeves out
According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, Ryan Reaves will be entering the lineup for the first time in 24 days, while Steeves will be a scratch.
Reaves is someone who has been catching a lot of heat as of late, with many saying his career in Toronto and the NHL at large, is over.
That appears to not be the case as the enforcer will be tasked with injecting some energy into the lineup for a rare Friday night game.
In just one game, Steeves was able to match Reaves' point total for the entire NHL season. Having said that, there is some confusion about this move.
The Leafs have scored 16 goals in three games, and now, they are messing with that chemistry.
One could make the argument that Berube is doing this so that Reaves can go up against Matt Rempe, but there is no guarantee that even happens since the enforcer only has one fight this season.
Whatever the case may be, this is one of those decisions that is going to have some fans scratching their heads until the game is over.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28 | 243 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Make Puzzling Lineup Decision Against the New York Rangers Do you believe Ryan Reaves should be in the lineup over Alex Steeves? | ||
| YES | 92 | 37.9 % |
| NO | 151 | 62.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
