Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson putting more grit in his game to go with goals
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For the Maple Leafs, seeing Nick Robertson score in back-to-back games is only half the story.
That the 5-foot-9, 178-pound winger has been getting in the opposition’s way a lot more is just as significant.
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Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson putting more grit in his game to go with goals Back to video
Robertson has four points — and four hits to go with it the past two starts. Maintaining that will go a long way to convincing Craig Berube he can play the heavy hockey the coach has tried to implement with bigger Leafs and that Robertson can offer secondary scoring.
Robertson’s long absences from the scoresheet this year have been concerning, but Berube had a recent talk with him about being more confrontational.
Not in reckless manner that will result in penalties, but knocking foes off the puck then getting to the net where third-line pals Max Domi and Bobby McMann have begun to find him.
Defenceman Simon Benoit is among other Leafs urging Robertson to be more physical.
“It’s so hard when you get hit by those little players,” Benoit told the media in Boston on Wednesday. “They get you right in the ribs, you have no breath and they can get the puck.
“To see him putting his body out there makes him a great player.”
Robertson will have a chance to extend his scoring streak — and tough play — on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan against the New York Rangers, who boast a few big bodies themselves.
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