Matthews, Nylander shared some interesting thoughts on the Leafs' new lines for Game 5

BarDown Staff

Toronto Maple Leaf forwards William Nylander and Auston Matthews. , Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Desperate times have called for desperate measures for Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.

After losing the fourth game of their series against the Boston Bruins on home ice, the Maple Leafs now find themselves down 3-1 heading to TD Garden on Saturday. Following a strong 4-2 victory in Game 3, Toronto produced just one goal in their next game for the second time in the series. Through four games, the Buds have scored just nine goals.

The #Bruins head back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 in Game 4. #StanleyCup

A post shared by TSN (@tsn_official) on Apr 19, 2018 at 6:45pm PDT

Sophomore Phenome Auston Matthews has struggled for most of the series, scoring just one goal and zero assists to this point. Babcock felt a need was in order and decided to swap fellow sophomore William Nylander off of the top line and replaced him with teammate Connor Brown.

Leafs lines at morning skate

Hyman-Matthews-Brown
Marleau-Kadri-Marner
JvR-Bozak-Kapanen
Johnsson-Plekanec-Nylander

Komarov on the ice but not in rushes
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 21, 2018

Nylander and Matthews have played together for the majority of their careers but the Swede will have to take a step back in a must-win game for his team. After the announcement was made, he chimed in on the decision.

William Nylander on Babcock's line changes:

"I think it’s good. We haven’t been able to produce the way we wanted to so I think it’s a good change. I think it could be a fresh start for us today."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 21, 2018

Matthews also shared his thoughts on Babcock’s shakeup.

Auston Matthews on Babcock line changes:

"Just trying to spark something ... I’ve played with Brownie before & it’s always gone well so we’ll be looking to feed off each other tonight & create offence."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 21, 2018

In addition to the change, the Leafs are hoping the return of 30-goal-scorer Nazem Kadri will provide an offensive spark. Kadri was suspended in game 1 after colliding with Bruins forward Tommy Wingels on the boards and will return to his regular role on the second unit with Mitch Marner and Patrick Marleau.

Nazem Kadri on his return tonight: "I can’t wait. I can’t wait. I’m sick of watching games. It’s tough to be up there & watch. It’s a little bit frustrating so I’m anxious to just get back on the ice."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 21, 2018

It’s now or never for the Leafs, so all they can hope for at this point is that the new line combinations work out in their favour.

(H/T Mark Masters)