Leafs Coach Craig Berube Reveals the Issue That Led to Nick Robertson's Most Recent Scratch
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Following one of their best games of the season, Craig Berube revealed discipline issues were part of the reason why Nicholas Robertson was a scratch in his hometown.
On Friday, we saw the Leafs take to the ice for a practice run by Associate Coach Brad Lambert while Berube watched from the stands. It was a unique change for the Leafs, but maybe a necessary one after an abysmal effort against the last place San Jose Sharks.
After watching from the stands, Berube spoke with reporters and confirmed that he was going to make some changes to the lineup for Saturday's game against the LA Kings. It wasn't until mere hours before the game that it was made public that Nick Robertson would be the one coming out for Pontus Holmberg.
Some were surprised at the decision, given that Robertson is from the area, but following what may have been their best game of the season, Berube met with reporters and explained the decision.
"I got to make decisions, right?" Berube explained. "I want to keep guys going as much as I can. And I thought Nick, in the last few games, lots of penalties and just some turnover things. So, I had a good talk with him today. He's in good shape, and he'll be ready to go tomorrow if needed."
Robertson had been receiving praise from his teammates, coaches and fans for his growth on the defensive side of the puck and his effort levels recently, but he has played a career high 62 games, and fatigue may have set in, leading to some of his penalties.
The 23-year-old has tallied 12 goals and 19 points through 62 games while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice-time per game and could draw back into the lineup Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks -- a possibility that Berube has also already alluded to.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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MARS 30 | 2912 ANSWERS Leafs Coach Craig Berube Reveals the Issue That Led to Nick Robertson's Most Recent Scratch Will Nick Robertson be the odd man out during playoffs? | ||
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