The Bottom 6; Tim Connolly Update

With Clarke MacArthur rejoining the lineup, the Leafs bottom 6 forwards will receive a nice make-over. According to many analysts, the Leafs third line will consist of Matt Frattin, Matthew Lombardi and Colby Armstrong. This third line is vastly different from that of the first two games, which included David Steckel and Philippe Dupuis.

What to expect? Well, the major difference is speed and scoring. Lombardi and Frattin are fast and they can create scoring chances. They are not limited to offense though, as both are considered to be decent two way forwards. This third line should be able to attack other teams slower defensive pairs, as well as face other teams best lines. They are the best of both worlds.



The fourth line will receive the most significant upgrade as Steckel and Dupuis will be placed there with winger Mike Brown. With these three guys together, they provide the Leafs with one of the most serviceable fourth lines in the league. All three are effective forecheckers, but individually they all bring something unique and different to the ice.

David Steckel as we already know is the faceoff specialist. Winning 70% of his faceoffs is crucial to the Leafs transition game.

Mike Brown is speedy. He will fight and also has an unknown playmaking ability that is needed on the fourth line.



Philippe Dupuis forechecks with the best of them. He will hit anything that moves, which creates space on the ice for Steckel and Brown.

Now obviously the fourth line won't make a huge impact every night. What I am excited about is the fact that all three play good defensive hockey and they have the ability to create offense if needed. As long as they control puck possession when playing other fourth lines is my concern.

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Don't expect injured centre, Tim Connolly to play Saturday. He is still nursing an upper body injury that he suffered early in the preseason. Although there is an outside chance of him playing, I don't see Ron Wilson rushing him back into the lineup, as this game is not of major importance.

Tim Connolly needs to get healthy. There is a point where I can understand he is hurt, but for a day-to-day injury to extend into two weeks is quite ridiculous. Connolly has a long injury history which was a main reason why Buffalo decided not to resign him.

If Matthew Lombardi can step up as a third line centre and Tyler Bozak continues his good play with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul, how can you insert Connolly into the lineup? At the risk of killing chemistry built, Connolly better be in the lineup against Winnipeg, on Wednesday at the very latest.