Maple Leafs Setting a Clear Mandate for Max Domi Ahead of His Return
FOLLOW US
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - USA Today Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have set a new expectation for playmaking forward Max Domi ahead of his anticipated return to the lineup in New Jersey, following a three week layoff for the 2nd generation Leaf.
Max Domi has been sidelined since the 16th of November when the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Edmonton Oilers in overtime. Through 19 games this season, the veteran has posted 0 goals and 6 assists as he looks to finally come off of injured reserve tonight.
After missing out on the last 8 games and having been placed on the IR, Domi feels a lot more refreshed and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team out, as reported by Nick Barden of The Hockey News.
"I take a lot of pride in being available for the team, trying to help the team win. And sometimes that entails playing through things here and there, and then it gets to a point where you've got to let it heal and whatever that might be," Domi said.
"And in my case, it was just a decision that we decided the rest would benefit, not just myself, but the group as well."
"And in my case, it was just a decision that we decided the rest would benefit, not just myself, but the group as well."
Craig Berube has a different outlook on Domi's season so far and has essentially set a mandate for the veteran upon his return that he wants to see him shoot the puck instead of looking to be creative with his playmaking capabilities.
"I think Max has got to maybe take a little bit different approach and not be such a selfless player and shoot more and just get into the net and greasy areas a little bit more. He's that type of player that. He could score goals there," the coach said.
While being goal-less can affect even the best of players in today's game, Domi has more of a relaxed attitude about his donut, but once again reiterated his willingness to help the team out in any way, shape, or form.
"I could care less if you have 90 goals or zero goals. If you're on the ice and help the team win, you're doing your job and you're helping out," said Domi. "So, there's always other ways you can help out, but certainly you want to play your best hockey and keep getting better on a daily basis. So, I'll just focus on that."
Berube -- just like everyone else in Toronto -- is very aware of how important the core players have been for the Maple Leafs, considering they've chipped in 57 of the 80 goals to date. He's hoping that Domi and Nicholas Robertson can provide secondary scoring to alleviate some of the pressure off their top players.
"He's a strong guy and a heavy guy. So I think for him, and a lot like Nick Robertson, they've got to get on the inside more and get around that net and score some decent goals. And we need them to. We need those guys. We need secondary scoring."
Domi is expected to return to the lineup against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday evening and will assuredly be on the hunt for points of any kind, as he is currently riding a 13-game pointless drought.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 10 | 2515 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Setting a Clear Mandate for Max Domi Ahead of His Return How many goals will Max Domi finish the season with? (He currently has 0) | ||
| 0-10 | 1319 | 52.4 % |
| 11-20 | 1096 | 43.6 % |
| 21-25 | 85 | 3.4 % |
| 25+ | 15 | 0.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
