Tavares

[jhonny]

How long is his punishment (I mean deployment) going to last? 3rd line C and PP2... ugh.

[BloodSport]

Are you not blaming Tavares at all for getting old and slow?

[Darkwing Puck]

The PP2 thing is a bit odd, you'd think they would swap him and Bertuzzi. But, honestly, while it's not great for his fantasy value, I could see him sticking on L3. It gives the Leafs three legitimate scoring lines and makes them a lot harder to defend. That said, the talking heads were speculating during the first intermission tonight that the Leafs aren't likely to want to risk exposing Jones to waivers, in which case Nick Robertson is likely to get sent down now that Woll is back. If that happens, then maybe Tavares gets promoted up to L2.

[Belexus75]

im not sure why he is not on PP1 tbh ...but 5on5, as long as that 2nd line clicks as they have, i dont see it changing any time soon

[pmorrow]

Trying to get him and Bertuzzi going. So far it's worked for Bertuzzi, and the results have been so-so for Tavares. He looked good to start with weaker matchups but he's gone quiet for a bit so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a crack on PP1 or with different linemates, line 3 or not. He's slowed down but he's still got scoring touch. It does depend how the team is going though - that will be priority over JT's individual productivity.

[Bubba55]

NHL coaches rarely do what fantasy GM's want them to do, they're heartless bastards that way just like all NHL goaltenders ..... (:

Keefe is trying to make the Leaf's better (read more balanced scoring across 3 lines) and if this shake up pays off then good for the Leafs but maybe not so good for JT owners. Then again, these changes might not pay off and we're back to where Taveres owners are happy again. In the short term, it does look like it is working as pmorrow notes.

[jhonny]

Are you not blaming Tavares at all for getting old and slow?

Father time undefeated, I get it, but when I watch him play - his release is still great and his IQ and FO ability should keep him on PP1. My fear is how he will react after too many games buried on depth chart. Fortunately Leafs always sabotage themselves, so I doubt any line assignments are locked for too long. I just hope Bertuzzi cools off before I fall too far behind in playoffs. If they lose a couple in a row, Tavs could be back with willie nillie who is spoon feeding Bert's success RN.

[Feenom]

It was a matter of time. He’s slower than usual and I found he can’t keep up with the end to end game. When the playoffs come around he will be counted on for important face offs so this may be temporary. At least he’s the highest paid 3rd liner in the NHL.

[Bubba55]

"At least he’s the highest paid 3rd liner in the NHL"

ILMFAO!!!

[ross10019]

On the negative side, no points last night v Rangers, and still centering 3rd line.

On the plus, 7 SOG