Toronto Maple Leafs Make Lineup Change For Game 2

The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't get off to the start they were hoping for in Game 1 of their second-round series with the Florida Panthers, and head coach Sheldon Keefe hasn't been shy about making lineup changes in these playoffs. The result, ahead of Game 2, is one fourth-liner out and another one back in. 

Sam Lafferty replaces Zach Aston-Reese for the #leafs in Game 2.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2023

Sam Lafferty has gotten the nod to suit up after sitting out the last two games. He goes in for Zach Aston-Reese.

"(Lafferty) has a lot of pace to his game, we think that can help," said Keefe. "That's really it, to be honest. We're looking at keeping him involved."

An additional move, complementary to that, would have Alex Kerfoot join the fourth line on left wing. "The speed factor is one thing," added Keefe. "Getting Kerfoot back on the left side is (another) thing."

The Lafferty move feeds into Keefe's desire for his team to bring more "energy" to the game Thursday night, and to capitalize on the home-ice advantage.

"We should be better (on home ice). We should have more life and more energy. We just haven’t had that... We have to fix that, and no better time than Game 2.”

As for other line pairings, the decision on whether or not to put Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner back together is still something that's being discussed. Keefe has had no problem juggling his lines around thus far; whether that continues tonight remains to be seen.

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports