Nick Robertson benched for most of the game in LA; that isn't going to help with his confidence nor his development
Making his debut against Dallas and scoring two goals, along with the OT winner, Nick Robertson looked like he was the spark the Leafs top six needed. Up until last night, he was skating with John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line and he was playing fairly well, considering he and the team weren't scoring much.
Last night however, Robertson found himself starting the game on the third line, but by the end of the game was just separating the forwards and defense on the bench. Robertson skated just 6:32 in last night's game while Pierre Engvall managed to play 12:30.
Engvall, who has looked terrible so far this year, did score but was still making the same mistakes he had before being scratched. Engvall was even a direct contributor for a goal against, due to an ill-advised backhand pass that was picked off, causing a turnover that led to a goal against. Benching Robertson for a period or a few shifts - fine, I'm all for that and that goes for any player. But when you're struggling to score goals, you need all the help you can get.
Keefe is probably going to say it was teaching a lesson or something along those lines, but if you want the kid to be better and grow, you can't take away his ice time for two thirds of the game. It doesn't help his confidence and it doesn't help in his development. Also, what type of message does it send when Robertson makes a mistake and is benched, but when Engvall makes a mistake, he's right back on the ice and playing nearly double the minutes?
With the Leafs in Anaheim tonight, Robertson may find himself in the press box given the circumstances while Denis Malgin or Zach Aston-Reese may draw in for him. Personally, if it's my decision, I likely keep Robertson in there and put him back in a position to do some damage on the scoresheet. I'd put him right back in the top six to show him that the team believes in him, which I'm sure will help to build his confidence.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 30 | 253 ANSWERS Nick Robertson benched for most of the game in LA; that isn't going to help with his confidence nor his development Should the Leafs consider sending Robertson back down to the Toronto Marlies? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 16.6 % |
| No | 211 | 83.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
