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Leafs' Berube, Rielly, Matthews Comment on Chris Tanev's Gutsy Performance and Injury Scare on Saturday

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Mike Armenti
October 20, 2024 (10:20)

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Chris Tanev's gutsy performance on Saturday did not go unnoticed

Photo credit: Maple Leafs on X

Chris Tanev had a bit of an injury scare on Saturday, but after returning to the game, his Maple Leafs teammates and head coach offered their thoughts on his gutsy performance.

Leafs Nation held its collective breath on Saturday when a blast from Mika Zibanejad hit Chris Tanev in the knee, forcing the veteran defenseman to leave the game in the late stages of the second period of an Eastern Conference matchup against the New York Rangers.

Thankfully, Tanev would return to the Leafs' bench in the first few minutes of the 3rd frame, which really impressed his coach and his teammates, who are hopeful that Tanev will not suffer any lingering effects from the shot block. One of the players who was complementary and appreciative of Tanev was captain Auston Matthews, who shared his thoughts on the play of the veteran blueliner on Saturday. Comments courtesy of The Hockey News' Nick Barden.

"He's been unbelievable. Just his composure on the backend, what he does - the little things all throughout the game, blocking shots, taking hits, making little plays in [the defensive] zone - and then offensively, he's one of the guys that's up in the rush a lot, too.�Glad to see him back and hopefully it's nothing serious and he's good to go," said Matthews of Tanev.

Tanev's D partner, Morgan Rielly, also chimed in on Tanev, highlighting Tanev's toughness and expressing his gratitude for the fact that Tanev didn't appear to be seriously injured on the play.

"Obviously, he's a warrior. He's blocked a lot of shots over his career, so when he goes down like that, you know it's serious and you hope he comes back and he did. We're grateful for that."

Leafs head coach Craig Berube was equally impressed with Tanev's heart and determination, but saw fit to reduce the defender's ice time in the third period. Berube admitted that perhaps he should have leaned on Tanev a little bit more than he did, but he ultimately made his decision and stuck to it.

"Yeah, he came back, tough guy. I mean, he could have played probably more in the third, but we were down a goal and just kind of went with what we went with."

With Tanev coming back, the shot off the knee was probably more of a stinger than anything, meaning that he'll likely be good to go for the Leafs' upcoming back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday. Nothing is set in stone yet, though, so we may have to wait and see.

Tanev was acquired by the Leafs on day two of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in a deal with the Dallas Stars. He signed a 6-year deal in Toronto just ahead of free agency.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Craig Berube Calls Out Maple Leafs Forward After Troubling Start to His Season

Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz Frustrated With Referees in Loss to Rangers

Maple Leafs Endure Injury Scare Involving Goalie Anthony Stolarz

POLL
20 OCTOBRE \| 1237 ANSWERS Leafs' Berube, Rielly, Matthews Comment on Chris Tanev's Gutsy Performance and Injury Scare on Saturday Has Chris Tanev been worth his contract so far this season?
▢ Yes, he's been great
▢ He's just been okay for me
▢ He hasn't impressed me