Canucks @ Leafs - Feb. 6th, 7:00pm - CBC, TSN 1050

[Guilt Trip]

For those complaining about Vesey, I actually think he's playing pretty well. He has creativity and that group of 3 seems to keep the puck deep for long periods of time. All 3 players seem a little snakebitten, but I'm not sure what Engvall brings above Vesey.

I'd assume one of Vesey or Mikheyev will get moved into Simmonds spot. I don't like Vesey going there and I'd be willing to try out Boyd if need be.

When injuries hit I think it's important to keep some of the fully healthy line-up in tact so as players return it doesn't shake things up too much. So I think that means keeping Matthews-Marner and Tavares-Nylander together obviously, but also Mikheyev-Kerfoot on the 3rd line. That leaves Vesey to play on the Tavares line, and he's already spent some time there of course so it should be a smooth transition.

I'd leave the 4th line together and let them keep doing what they do. That leaves an opening on the 3rd line, and Engvall and Anderson would be the most likely candidates there. With a top-9 RW out I think this would be a good chance to see what Anderson can do with some consistent minutes.

I think they should give Barabanov a shot on the 3rd line. I'd also rather have Mikheyev with JT then Vesey. He's much more responsible defensively.

 

[Highlander]

For those complaining about Vesey, I actually think he's playing pretty well. He has creativity and that group of 3 seems to keep the puck deep for long periods of time. All 3 players seem a little snakebitten, but I'm not sure what Engvall brings above Vesey.

I'd assume one of Vesey or Mikheyev will get moved into Simmonds spot. I don't like Vesey going there and I'd be willing to try out Boyd if need be.

I think Mikheyev goes back there. I don't think Simmonds was going to stay there long term anyway. They only moved him to the 2nd line because of the opponent. Vancouver's D isn't that quick. Leafs have options for the bottom 6. I hope Mikheyev can pot a few going forward.

What about Spezza on the LW with Matthews and Marner, give the 2nd Old man a shot there.  Hyman slides back to the 2nd line.  Engvall slots in as 4th C between Petan and Boyd.

 

[Guilt Trip]

For those complaining about Vesey, I actually think he's playing pretty well. He has creativity and that group of 3 seems to keep the puck deep for long periods of time. All 3 players seem a little snakebitten, but I'm not sure what Engvall brings above Vesey.

I'd assume one of Vesey or Mikheyev will get moved into Simmonds spot. I don't like Vesey going there and I'd be willing to try out Boyd if need be.

I think Mikheyev goes back there. I don't think Simmonds was going to stay there long term anyway. They only moved him to the 2nd line because of the opponent. Vancouver's D isn't that quick. Leafs have options for the bottom 6. I hope Mikheyev can pot a few going forward.

What about Spezza on the LW with Matthews and Marner, give the 2nd Old man a shot there.  Hyman slides back to the 2nd line.  Engvall slots in as 4th C between Petan and Boyd.

Let's face it, anyone will work with Matthews and Marner so you could move Hyman down to the 2nd or even 3rd line but do you really want to break them up? Also if you move Spezza up there, he's not playing 20 mins so who's going to sub for him? Hyman was doing it for Joe so maybe Mikheyev?
I think they move Mikheyev back to JT's line, leave Hyman where he is at least until Joe comes back, put Boyd or Engvall on line 3 and take your pick for the 4th.

side note--Engvall is waiver exempt for 3 more games so something will need to be done sooner or later. Spezza has 4 more games.