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Bertuzzi provides update regarding his playing status ahead of tonight's game in Tampa

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Ryan Smitheram
October 21, 2023 (9:54)

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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.

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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.

"I think as time just continues to go on and [we get] more repetitions together as a line, we'll just have a better idea of where each other likes to be and we'll find that chemistry a little bit easier." - Matthews on sticking with it to help Bertuzzi acclimate to playing with he and Marner

Keefe echoed Matthews' comments, but also explained how Matthews and Marner can help Bertuzzi adapt quicker.

"I think it's a work in progress for them, for sure. Bert's a guy who does a lot of great work below the circles in the offensive zone. That's where he's at his best. Some other areas of his game where playing with Austin and Mitch, it's harder to adjust to the pace and the skill that they play with coming out of our zone, but he's been really effective below the circles, which is what he does, who he is. So Auston and Mitch need to consistently get the puck to those areas, and I think you'll see it start to thrive." - Keefe on the Bertuzzi-Matthew-Marner line

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.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Lightning coach admits to using the media to influence playoff series against Leafs

Ex-Leafs defenseman shares hilarious story about getting completely shafted by Tie Domi

Sheldon Keefe a huge reason why the Leafs have struggled to start the season

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21 OCTOBRE \| 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 %
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