Bertuzzi provides update regarding his playing status ahead of tonight's game in Tampa
Ahead of Thursday evening's matchup against the Florida Panthers, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned that Tyler Bertuzzi would be a game-time decision, that he was deal with some sort of an issue and that he was less than 100%.
During the 3-1 loss to the Panthers, Keefe had even demoted Bertuzzi to the 3rd line, moving Calle Jarnkrok up to the top line to play with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in his place. Following the loss, Keefe mentioned that Bertuzzi may need a couple of games off to recover. That no longer appears to be the case.
Following Leafs practice on Friday, Bertuzzi told the media that he was good to go and expects to be in the lineup on Saturday night against the Lightning.
Through his first four games in a Leafs uniform, Bertuzzi has had his ups and downs. He has just one goal to his name and has taken a number of ill-advised penalties, but he is slowly adjusting to the speed at which his line mates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner play - something Matthews admitted to following practice yesterday.
Keefe echoed Matthews' comments, but also explained how Matthews and Marner can help Bertuzzi adapt quicker.
Bertuzzi has just 1 goal so far through 4 games this season, but he has been engaged, firing 10 pucks on net, landing 6 hits and blocking 2 shots in his first couple of weeks as a Leaf. He's also a +2 and has averaged approximately 15-and-a-half minutes per game.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 21 | 135 ANSWERS Bertuzzi provides update regarding his playing status ahead of tonight's game in Tampa After his slow start, how many points do you think Tyler Bertuzzi will finish the season with? | ||
| 50 or less | 57 | 42.2 % |
| 51-60 | 56 | 41.5 % |
| 61-70 | 11 | 8.1 % |
| More than 70 | 11 | 8.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
