The Toronto Maple Leafs will be back in action tomorrow evening at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto, welcoming in the tanking Chicago Blackhawks. The good news for the Maple Leafs is that reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winning forward Auston Matthews, who has missed the past five games with an injury, could be making his return to the lineup.
However, ahead of tomorrow's game, the team has announced a lineup scratch that is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows. Defenseman Justin Holl will be sitting for the first time this season, while Connor Timmins slots into the lineup in his place. It will be the latter's first action since January 27 against the Ottawa Senators.
For Holl, he was a -3 during Toronto's last game, a setback against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets. And he'll be watching his teammates on the ice tomorrow night rather than playing with them.
And according to head coach Sheldon Keefe, he was honest about the state of Holl's play - it's been both good and bad, and last game was anything but good.
"His game at times has been tremendous and has helped us through some real tough times, he's a reason our defense has been a constant for us in terms of his contributions, but at times it has also slipped," Keefe said of Holl. "To me, the other night was one of those nights. We've been looking to get a guy like Timmins to get him going and for someone to take out. So, don't give me a reason."
"I know I made some plays that I don't like and I made a lot of plays that I do like, too," Holl said after practice on Tuesday. "It's all about trying to key in on what you can do better."
In 54 games played this season, Holl has registered two goals and nine assists. He also happens to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
