Craig Berube makes controversial lineup decision against the Detroit Red Wings

A couple of nights ago, the Maple Leafs lost 6-3 to the Minnesota Wild in what was one of the worst games of the season for the team.

It could not have come at a worse time, as the Maple Leafs are in desperate need of wins so that they can make their way to the playoffs.

Tonight, the Leafs are going up against the Detroit Red Wings, and once again, it is not going to be easy. The Red Wings are a good team and smell blood in the water.

Today, the Maple Leafs held an optional skate, with only a few guys showing up. According to Luke Fox, it was here that Craig Berube confirmed that the lineup would be the same as it was against the Wild.

As you can see below, this is a modest lineup, although it is one that excludes young sensation Jacob Quillan, who was called up recently.

The first line will consist of Bobby McMann, Auston Matthews, and Max Domi. From there, Matias Maccelli, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies will be on the second line.

The third line is Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy, and Nick Robertson. Lastly, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and Calle Jarnkrok make up the fourth line.

With William Nylander out of the lineup, it will be interesting to see what the Maple Leafs are able to pull off tonight.

A win is needed, but the Red Wings are not going to go down without a fight as they look to secure the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

If the Leafs do win, it shows that they can hold their own against the league's best teams.

Also read on Blade of steel :
Toronto Maple Leafs make critical Joseph Woll decision after two awful performances in a row