Mike Babcock Loves What Patrick Marleau Has Brought To Toronto
"The Toronto Maple Leafs were back on the practice ice Tuesday morning as they prepare for tomorrow's game against the New York Islanders.
During his post-practice press conference, head coach Mike Babcock was asked about the relationship that has blossomed between veteran Patrick Marleau and youngsters Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews.
«You'd have to ask them about the relationship part,» Babcock said, per Maple Leafs Hot Stove. «I don't know that. I think Patty helps everybody because he does it right each and every day. At the same time, I think those guys help Patty because they've got energy, and youthful enthusiasm never hurt anybody. I think it's a two-way street.
«In saying that, he has a relationship with all of our players. Any time you are around a guy who's had the success he's had, and is as diligent and embraces the monotony of the game and all of the little things you need to do to be successful like he does, it's a good lesson for you. When you're feeling sorry for yourself in the grind, all you do is look at him and he's going faster than anybody else. You say, «How does a guy who is 37 years old go faster and work harder than me?» You pull up your bootstraps a little bit.»
In addition to the veteran leadership and apparent inspiration for the young guys, Marleau has also been a key contributor with 16 goals, which is the fourth most on the team. He is four goals away from hitting the 20-goal mark for the third straight year and 15th time in his long and productive career. "
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