Details Behind Why Eklund, Hoffman Got Benched (+)

MONTREAL – One particular shift during Tuesday’s 7-1 loss got a clear reaction from David Quinn.

Granted, any time that you lose by six goals, you’re likely unhappy with all of your players, and the head coach said as much after the Toronto Maple Leafs routed his San Jose Sharks: “Not one guy really had their game tonight.”

You can’t bench an entire team, right?

But after the opening shift of the second period, Quinn skipped wingers William Eklund and Mike Hoffman’s shifts for about half the middle frame. They had started the game with No. 1 center Tomas Hertl.

Just three minutes later, Quinn even went as far as skipping both on the power play. Hoffman was originally supposed to be on PP1, Eklund PP2. Instead, defenseman Henry Thrun, who wasn’t in line to participate on either power play unit, was sent out there, and he actually scored his first NHL goal.

So why Eklund and Hoffman? Quinn explained yesterday. An ex-NHL head coach also watched the shift and shared his expertise.