Two notable Leafs skating as extras at practice, appear to be scratches against the Devils
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing good hockey for the past couple of weeks. After the horrible start in October that saw the Buds go 4-4-2, they have since gone 5-1-1 and currently sit second in the Atlantic Division. Things seem to be trending in the right direction for the blue and white, and when things are going your way, you don't usually want to change too many things. Head Coach Sheldon Keefe would appear to agree with that sentiment, as Wayne Simmonds and Nick Robertson are both wearing extra grey jerseys at practice on Thursday, suggesting that there will be no change to the forward groups.
Simmonds has played just 4 games for the Leafs this year, registering one assist. He definitely still has his physicality and toughness, of which the Leafs lack up front most nights, but his best days are definitely behind him, and with the game on the ice being as fast as it is, he will likely be used sparingly for the rest of the season (barring injury).
Robertson, on the other hand, is more surprising. Although the Leafs have been winning without him, you would think they would want a young player in Robertson getting ice time and get a real chance to prove he belongs in the lineup.
With 2 goals and 5 points in 10 games (most of which without a lot of ice time), Robertson has shown enough to warrant more opportunity in the lineup. If the plan isn't to play him, then he should be sent to the AHL so that he can get some reps in and continue to grow, instead of just sitting in the press box.
The Leafs are set to face off against the New Jersey Devils Thursday night, who are one of the best teams in the NHL this year. The Devils are currently on a 10-game win streak, but here's hoping that it doesn't make it to 11. The Leafs are coming off of back-to-back wins against Vancouver and Pittsburgh and would love to make it 3-straight.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 17 | 507 ANSWERS Two notable Leafs skating as extras at practice, appear to be scratches against the Devils Should the Leafs send Nick Robertson down to the AHL to ensure that he's playing big minutes? | ||
| Yes | 383 | 75.5 % |
| No | 124 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
