On very short notice, Luke Schenn received the championship belt after a gutsy performance
Last night's overtime victory over the Florida Panthers was a tough, gutsy, and determined victory against a red-hot team that was trying to clinch their spot into the post-season on home ice.
The Toronto Maple Leafs prevailed after Ilya Samsonov made a ridiculous diving glove save on Matthew Tkachuk, before John Tavares went the other way and finished it on the breakaway for the win.
After the game, the victorious team belt went to Luke Schenn, who got the call just before game-time that he was needed after Erik Gustafsson injured himself during the pre-game warmups. Schenn was going to be a healthy scratch for the night but was on standby and had to suit up on very short notice.
Sheldon Keefe post-game:
"So this is the type of game that is a true test of character and commitment, togetherness, and all those kind of things all the way through. You stuck with it. Hell of a good job. I don't think anybody exemplified that better than Sammy battling there for us all night long. That's a good two points."
John Tavares who was given the belt with Wayne Simmonds out of the lineup:
"On behalf of the Wayne Train, way to stick with it boys, D-core, hell of a job. Sammy. Knies congrats on the first. But you got the call an hour before the match... did you even eat?"
Luke Schenn's speech:
"Yeah boys, thanks for giving the opportunity to snap it around with you guys last minute. Onto the next one, tomorrow is going to be a good too. So let's get ready to bring it tomorrow."
The gritty veteran defenseman was held point-less but played in 11:14 TOI and recorded 7 hits on very short notice. He joined a crowded Maple Leafs defensive corps and has been in and out of the lineup with Sheldon Keefe looking to rotate before the playoffs start.
In 13 games with the Leafs, he has no points after recording 21 in 55 games with the Vancouver Canucks but has been a dependable bottom-pair defenseman that gives the Leafs a much needed intangible in hitting, blocked shots, and just overall toughness.
Last night's game was just a true testament to his role with the club, how he has settled in as a veteran, and when called upon he never skips a beat - even if it is with less than an hour before puck drop.
