Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Has Some Surprising Things to Say About Nick Robertson
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Despite the fact that he has made Nick Robertson a healthy scratch so frequently of late, Leafs head coach Craig Berube had some surprising things to say about the former 2nd round pick following a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Following the NHL's trade deadline, the Leafs had an extra body to accommodate in veteran forward Scott Laughton, which meant that someone would have to sit. Unfortunately for Nick Robertson, more often than not, he's been the odd man out.
Last night, not only did Robertson make his way back into the lineup, but he was also a key factor in the Leafs' dominant 5-0 win over the Blue Jackets.
Still, despite scoring 2 goals in his return to the lineup, Robertson was still given a game-low 10:09 of ice time, largely due to the fact that he was playing on the 4th line.
Nick Robertson's Efforts on Saturday Did Not Go Unnoticed
Following the win, while there were plenty of viable candidates, the Leafs ended up awarding Robertson the player of the game belt after his very strong performance.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube has complimented Robertson's game during other points of the season, even when he hadn't been playing.
On Saturday, Berube once again reminded the fans and the player that it's the head count in the locker room and not shaky performances that have caused Robertson's routine presence in the press box. He also revealed what Robertson has to do to make himself indispensable.
"He has been in the lineup a lot. As I said this morning, he got taken out, and then we were winning games, so I didn't change the lineup. The guy has great speed. He can score goals. He can shoot. He has played pretty good hockey for us this year. It is not like he hasn't.
Sometimes, you make decisions with the lineup, but Nick just has to manage the puck more than anything. Be simple with it. Get pucks out. Get pucks in. When he has the opportunity, he uses his speed very well and capitalizes on some chances that he gets. It's just about being defensively responsible and managing the puck."
Sometimes, you make decisions with the lineup, but Nick just has to manage the puck more than anything. Be simple with it. Get pucks out. Get pucks in. When he has the opportunity, he uses his speed very well and capitalizes on some chances that he gets. It's just about being defensively responsible and managing the puck."
The Leafs have 6 games left, and with the injuries to David Kampf and Jake McCabe, there is space on the roster for Robertson right now. It will be on him, however, to make the most of this opportunity.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 6 | 2217 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Has Some Surprising Things to Say About Nick Robertson Do you think Nick Robertson signs an offer sheet this summer to get a fresh opportunity in a new NHL city? | ||
| Yes | 1662 | 75 % |
| No | 555 | 25 % |
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