The Toronto Maple Leafs need to make this bold move right now

As we pass 50 games into the NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they see the playoff battle heating up with two months to go.

Much of the Toronto Maple Leafs' success this year has relied on a two-point scoring four lead by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander.

As a result, it is vital that they have the perfect third line mates to help maximize their attacking output. Rookie Matthew Knees seems to mesh well with Matthews and Marner, while Tyler Bertuzzi has the same early season with Tavares and Nylander.

In recent weeks, however, both Bertuzzi's and Knis's contributions have stagnated despite the potential of their teammates. Bertuzzi has just 3 points in his last 12 games and just 8 points in his last 20 games. The Knights, meanwhile, struggled even more in their previous 21 games with a two-point performance against Ottawa, scoring just 5 points. Senators on Saturday.

As hot as the four cores are, they can be even more deadly if they have someone in their lines to provide the right chemistry and additional production at the same time. As a result, it may be too late in the season to gamble with linebacker experiments, but now should be the right time for the Leafs to make a bold move to try alternative options in the top two in place of Knis and Bertuzzi. .

One obvious candidate is none other than Nick Robertson. It's finally time to see what he can do with the big boys as a mainstay for the Leafs this season. In his last 11 games, he has 4 goals and 2 assists, along with a near 20% shooting percentage while playing on the third line. Adding a legitimate scoring threat like Robertson to either of the first two lines suddenly makes it harder for the opposition to stop them. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)

Another prime candidate would be Calle Jarnkrok. His effective mix of defensive play, forechecking and lethal shooting make him a perfect complement to either top lane. Unfortunately, he is currently out with a hand injury and it may be a while before he returns.

Therefore, the Leafs could venture into uncharted territory and give Bobby McMann a shot. His aggressive style of play and surprising speed can lead to unexpected positive results.

Still, the Leafs need to act now before slow production from Knis and Bertuzzi starts to drag them down the bottom four. If this happens, it can have serious consequences, because the success of the team depends only on the top two lines. Let the musical chairs begin!