Robertson, Myers glad to get back in Maple Leafs lineup on Saturday

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Keep that chin up.

Neither Nick Robertson nor Philippe Myers had a choice as each bided his time on the sideline, wondering when game action with the Maple Leafs would come again.

For both, the answer came on Saturday when they played at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Robertson was scratched for the previous three games; for Myers, an 11-game absence on the blue line ended.

“It’s the situation at hand,” Robertson said after the Leafs’ optional morning skate. “It’s nothing personal. It’s just business of what kind of happens here. I’m just happy to get back in lineup.

“We have a great group of guys, and it keeps me happy coming in (to the rink every day).”

Robertson made an impact quickly, scoring the opening goal at 10:03 of the first period when he beat screened Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins. In the second period, Robertson scored again for his 14th goal of the season, tying his career high. It also was the third two-goal game of Robertson’s National Hockey League career. That gave the Leafs a 2-0 lead.

Robertson was in for David Kampf (upper body) at forward, while Myers took the lineup spot of Jake McCabe (undisclosed).

Myers, who had not played since March 10 at Utah, played in his 30th game of the season.

“A lot of learning,” Myers said of his 2024-25 year as a whole. “I haven’t played as many games I wanted to, but we have a really good team and I’m grateful to be here.

“I’m proud to be a Maple Leaf. I just bring my work ethic every day, whether it’s practice or game. That has been my mentality all year.”

Robertson isn’t really suitable for the fourth line in the long run, but he’s unlikely to get a look on the third line any time soon.

Leafs coach Craig Berube likes the chemistry that has been building between centre Max Domi with wingers Scott Laughton and Calle Jarnkrok. There are elements Jarnkrok brings that Robertson does not.

“Jarny is good on any line, in my opinion, because he really covers up for a lot of things, little things,” Berube said. “He can pass the puck and move it, but defensively, he’s sound.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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