Nick Robertson draws in, Justin Holl scratched against Red Wings
With the NHL season winding down there isn't much to play for as far as the standings go. The Leafs are all but locked into second in the Atlantic division and will, in all likelihood, have home ice advantage against the Tampa Bay Lightning in round 1. That doesn't mean the games left on the schedule are meaningless though. Every night there are auditions happening. The roster for game 1 is far from set in stone, and tonight it looks like Nick Robertson is finally getting his shot.
Robertson has fallen from his former status as the Leafs top prospect through no fault of his own. A knee injury followed by a broken leg have seen him spend more time on the mend than in the lineup. He got a short tryout with the big club as soon as his leg healed, the Leafs wanted to see where his game was at after being off for so long. He played fine, but didn't really move the needle in the limited time he had and the Leafs sent him to the Toronto Marlies to work his way back into form. Since being sent to the AHL Robertson has been on fire, racking up 15 goals and 27 points in 25 games. Evidently that was enough to earn himself another look with the big club against Detroit. He will line up on the right wing with John Tavares and Ilya Mikheyev tonight.
Nobody doubts Robertson's skillset, the 20 year old has a lethal shot, great vision and a work ethic that goes a long way towards making up for his smaller stature. It comes as no surprise that when the Leafs took to the ice this today for their morning skate, Nick Robertson was the first one out there. Going back to his days in the OHL, Robertson has always been the first one out for practice and the first one in the gym, there is no lack of work ethic there.
Also of note, Justin Holl will be a healthy scratch tonight. Timothy Liljegren will draw back into the lineup and pair with Mark Giordano, who he's had fantastic chemistry with since the 2019 Norris trophy winner was acquired from Seattle. Liljegren has blossomed into a great 2 way defender this season and has excelled at Giordano's side. The 22 year old 1st round pick missed the weekend with "bumps and bruises" but according to Sheldon Keefe is feeling 100%. Liljegren will be doing his best to secure his roster sport over Holl come game 1 of the playoffs. As of right now, I'm more comfortable seeing the rookie out there than Holl. Whether Keefe feels the same remains to be seen.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 317 ANSWERS Nick Robertson draws in, Justin Holl scratched against Red Wings Will Justin Holl be in the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs? | ||
| No, he's on the outside looking in now | 107 | 33.8 % |
| Yes, he's got the experience | 54 | 17 % |
| I hope not | 106 | 33.4 % |
| Show me the results | 50 | 15.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
