Sheldon Keefe really impressed with one of the team's new additions in Thursday's big win in Dallas
To say that Tyler Bertuzzi's start in Toronto has been pretty underwhelming is probably fair. In having said that, it's also important to acknowledge just how good he's been coming along over the last few games - and, as everybody knows, it's not how you've played in the last stretch of games, it's about how you play in the next stretch of games.
Bertuzzi scored in his 2nd game of the season, but it was his only point over the course of his first 5 games as a Leaf, so it was important for him to get going sooner rather than later. Thankfully, after some line shuffling, Bertuzzi has found himself skating with the red-hot John Tavares and William Nylander and has registered a point in each of his last 2 games, including scoring a power play goal last night in Dallas.
As he has spent more time with the team and getting to learn about the inner workings of the team, the systems and even the organization, Bertuzzi appears to be getting a lot more comfortable with his surroundings. Sheldon Keefe has noticed the improvements with Bertuzzi's game and had plenty to say about the feisty left winger following last night's 4-1 win over the Stars.
"I thought it was his best game today. I think it's been coming. I've been looking at his game really closely, and there are some things that he's been doing that haven't got a lot of attention � or haven't really stood out is more what I'm saying.
I've been looking at every single times he's touched the puck in the six games that he's played and he's done some very subtle things of keeping plays alive and moving the puck to his linemates that hasn't necessarily been rewarded with points, but I thought his skating today, moving his feet and getting involved in the play was probably the most consistent it's been... It was great to see him get rewarded with that great power play goal... It's a good sign for us because he's an important player." - Keefe on Bertuzzi finally finding his groove
I've been looking at every single times he's touched the puck in the six games that he's played and he's done some very subtle things of keeping plays alive and moving the puck to his linemates that hasn't necessarily been rewarded with points, but I thought his skating today, moving his feet and getting involved in the play was probably the most consistent it's been... It was great to see him get rewarded with that great power play goal... It's a good sign for us because he's an important player." - Keefe on Bertuzzi finally finding his groove
The Leafs have one more road game upcoming against Nashville on Saturday before returning home for a Halloween matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on October 31st. With the team finally heading home late Saturday or early Sunday, they'll be able to get back into a more regular practice routine at their own facility, which should only help to further boost Bertuzzi's comfort level with the Leafs. The best, as they say, is yet to come.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 27 | 321 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe really impressed with one of the team's new additions in Thursday's big win in Dallas Should Tyler Bertuzzi remain on the 2nd line with Nylander and Tavares or go back up to the top line with Matthews and Marner? | ||
| Keep him where he is. He looks good on 2LW | 234 | 72.9 % |
| Put him back with Marner and Matthews | 41 | 12.8 % |
| Mix it up from game to game | 46 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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