On Tuesday evening (Nov. 12), Toronto Maple Leafs followers witnessed a second of instant pleasure as John Tavares scored the game-winning extra time purpose in Washington towards the Capitals. The purpose accomplished an exhilarating three-goal comeback and took dwelling a 4-3 victory for the Maple Leafs. Whereas the win itself was vital, particularly given the context of a hard-fought comeback, it’s what this victory may imply for Tavares’ function any further that has captured our consideration and curiosity. Particularly, Tavares’ inclusion in 3-on-3 extra time conditions may mark a brand new chapter in his tenure with the Maple Leafs.
Former Maple Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe By no means Used Tavares in OT
Traditionally, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has been praised for his strategic perception, boasting the very best successful share of any Maple Leafs coach within the final 50 years. He has additionally confirmed himself at numerous ranges earlier than his NHL teaching profession, just lately taking the New Jersey Devils to the highest of the Japanese Convention. Nonetheless, one transfer that Keefe was reluctant to do was to make use of Tavares in extra time conditions, regardless of his profession accomplishments.
Associated: Studies of Maple Leafs’ Tavares Decline Are Exaggerated
With 465 targets and 435 factors throughout 457 video games, Tavares is likely one of the most completed gamers in Maple Leafs franchise historical past. But, for a lot of his tenure, the proficient middle was relegated to the bench as soon as extra time started. This determination appeared perplexing provided that Tavares’ ability set is tailored for 3-on-3 hockey.
Was Tavares’ Extra time Absence a Misstep?
Given what occurred earlier this week, it’s simple to query Keefe’s reasoning. Whereas Tavares doesn’t boast elite velocity, his hockey IQ and playmaking skill are simple. In that sense, he’s an excellent candidate for 3-on-3 extra time—a scenario that rewards intelligence and puck possession greater than pure velocity. Tavares has proven his clutch skill a number of instances, and the Washington recreation was a primary instance of his functionality to rise to the event.
(Photograph by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
The problem was not Tavares’ skill to contribute however the truth that he was typically stored off the ice in such conditions. In a recreation the place house is ample and ability is paramount, not having Tavares on the ice in extra time appeared like a missed alternative.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Sabres, Penguins, Bruins, Oilers
It could appear that the previous Maple Leafs captain is having a little bit of a resurgence this season with new head coach Craig Berube on the helm. On reflection, Keefe may need utilized his captain higher. Maybe, Tuesday’s OT victory indicators extra probabilities to see Tavares on the ice in extra time conditions. Whereas his velocity usually will get panned, he had the ability to attain on a breakaway.
Seeing Tavares skating in extra time appears sorta like a no brainer any further.
Nick Robertson Appears Like a Sq. Peg in a Spherical Gap
In the meantime, one other difficulty has been brewing throughout the Maple Leafs’ lineup. What’s the way forward for younger ahead Nicholas Robertson? Identified for his velocity, ability, and goal-scoring skill, Robertson is a dynamic participant who has proven flashes of his potential. After scoring 55 targets in 46 video games in his last yr in juniors and impressing throughout his American Hockey League (AHL) stints, Robertson appeared primed to make a extra vital affect on the NHL stage.
Nonetheless, his match with the Maple Leafs has not been as seamless as many had hoped. Regardless of a strong begin to the preseason and his skill to attain at a tempo that will translate to twenty targets over an 82-game season, Robertson has discovered himself on the surface trying in. The Maple Leafs’ ahead depth chart is stacked with top-six expertise, that means there isn’t room for Robertson to play in a task that maximizes his expertise. Gamers like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Tavares all occupy greater spots, leaving Robertson to struggle for ice time within the backside six, a task that doesn’t play to his strengths.
Associated: Nick Robertson’s Dilemma: Keep With the Maple Leafs or Transfer On?
Robertson’s measurement (5-foot-9) and skillset are at odds with the Maple Leafs’ present bottom-six construction, which is extra bodily and defensively-minded. This mismatch has led to Robertson being scratched in a number of video games. When he does play, his ice time has been restricted to a median of simply 12:15 per recreation. With solely a single purpose in 15 video games, it’s clear that Robertson hasn’t been in a position to make the affect he or the crew hoped for in such restricted alternatives.
Is a Robertson Commerce on the Horizon?
Given the dearth of alternatives and his restricted manufacturing, it could be time for the Maple Leafs and Robertson to discover a commerce. Robertson’s potential as a 20-goal scorer in a top-six function may very well be engaging to different groups, particularly contemplating his youth (simply 23 years previous) and the truth that he appears to have put his harm woes behind him. A commerce may permit him to play a extra distinguished function with a crew that values his ability set. On the similar time, the Maple Leafs may use the belongings they acquire to strengthen different areas of their roster, significantly within the physicality division for his or her bottom-six forwards.
Brad Treliving, the Maple Leafs’ normal supervisor, had assured Robertson that there was a spot for him throughout the group. Nonetheless, it’s changing into more and more clear that his present function with the crew isn’t supreme. Transferring Robertson may benefit each events by permitting him to thrive elsewhere whereas giving the Maple Leafs an opportunity to regulate their lineup to raised align with their imaginative and prescient of a bodily, hard-working backside six.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs’ early-season struggles in optimizing their lineup round key gamers like Tavares and Robertson spotlight the challenges of balancing expertise with crew wants. The success of Tavares’ extra time purpose is a hopeful signal that the previous captain stays productive on the ice. Nonetheless, the crew’s ongoing battle with Robertson’s match means that modifications may very well be coming shortly.
Associated: Oldest Gamers with 100-Level Seasons
A commerce may permit Robertson the possibility to shine whereas letting the Maple Leafs handle their wants higher shifting ahead with out him. Because the season progresses, the following few weeks may very well be essential in figuring out the way forward for Robertson and his place throughout the Maple Leafs’ crowded ahead ranks.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
