Nick Robertson gives his feelings on being scratched for 4-straight games, getting back into the lineup tonight
He is scheduled to make his return to the lineup tonight after being a healthy scratch for the past four games, but Nick Robertson has remained positive and kept himself in the right head space for this opportunity. Based on line rushes in practice yesterday, Robertson will be skating alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner tonight as the Leafs try to end the New Jersey Devils' 13-game winning streak. It's the first of four straight on the road for the Leafs as they look to bounce back after losing in overtime to the Islanders Monday night.
Being scratched, Robertson could have been sent down for the week to get into some games for the Marlies, but the Leafs decided against it. Sheldon Keefe, while annoyed at answering the same question about Robertson being scratched all week, praised the 21-year-old for his work ethic in practice, particularly last week when he said Robertson was the hardest worker and stood out the most. To his credit, Robertson downplayed any disappointment in being scratched for the past four games, saying it's (the NHL) a business and was thankful for the opportunity to stay with the Leafs.
"Being around this atmosphere & learning, even away from the rink, how things are done is important & it carries onto the ice. Obviously, the paycheck's nice too," said Robertson on being scratched. While he could have played a few games for the Marlies the past week, and as good as the AHL can be for a player's development, the NHL is a different animal and having Robertson be around the club and the veteran leadership group like Jake Muzzin, T.J. Brodie and John Tavares consistently to see how they conduct themselves on and off the ice and away from the rink will help with his development as well.
With 5 points in 10 games, Robertson will look to make a statement tonight and get back on the scoresheet in the hopes of playing his way into a more permanent spot in the lineup.
| POLL | ||
23 NOVEMBRE | 467 ANSWERS Nick Robertson gives his feelings on being scratched for 4-straight games, getting back into the lineup tonight Does Nick Robertson belong in the lineup full-time? | ||
| Yes | 363 | 77.7 % |
| No, not yet | 104 | 22.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
