Tanev’s optimistic influence for the Maple Leafs clear by means of 5 video games

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Had it been the hockey norm to take action, the Maple Leafs would have stood and applauded when Chris Tanev returned to the bench early within the third interval on Saturday night time.

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The veteran defenceman departed after blocking a shot by the New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad late within the second interval, and when he didn’t come again for the beginning of the third, we’re certain minds had been racing in Leafs Nation.

Via 5 video games, the 34-year-old Tanev has been supplying the form of integral hockey that normal supervisor Brad Treliving coveted earlier than buying Tanev’s rights from the Dallas Stars after which signing the Toronto native to a six-year contract on July 1.

“His composure on the again finish, what he does, the little issues all all through the sport, blocking photographs, taking hits, making little performs within the D zone after which offensively, he is among the guys who’s up within the rush lots,” Leafs captain Auston Matthews mentioned after Toronto misplaced 4-1 to the Rangers at Scotiabank Area. “Glad to see him again and hopefully it’s nothing critical and he’s good to go.”

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Tanev had simply 4 shifts within the third, however there was nothing from coach Craig Berube to point that Tanev wouldn’t be good to go towards the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at SBA. The Leafs have a full day without work on Sunday, so we gained’t know for sure till the skate on Monday morning.

“Every part you see,” Berube mentioned of Tanev’s influence. “He’s a fantastic defender and shot blocker, penalty killer, only a stable participant throughout. Character man, management, he brings lots.”

Tanev leads the Leafs with 15 blocked photographs, is averaging a team-high 4 minutes a sport on a penalty kill that’s clicking at 85% (17-for-20) and has been on the ice for only one purpose towards at five-on-five.

It’s accepted, maybe, that the way by which Tanev performs will end in some accidents and missed video games, however the Leafs would maintain their fingers crossed that it wouldn’t be for lengthy.

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Tanev just isn’t the form of participant who can simply get replaced, definitely not by Timothy Liljegren or Philippe Myers.

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“He drives the bus again there and defends actually onerous each night time, blocks photographs and has stick and the small stuff you may not see each night time however make an enormous distinction,” Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson mentioned. “That’s not a secret, the best way he performs. He places his physique on the road each night time and he’s a warrior.”

Goalie Anthony Stolarz, naturally, has loved the view from his crease when Tanev is on the ice. As others talked about, there’s extra to what Tanev brings than the rugged, battler-type mentality.

“He’s so environment friendly on his breakouts, he is a brilliant participant,” Stolarz mentioned.

“As a goalie, you possibly can undoubtedly respect that.

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“(And) a whole lot of guys get a whole lot of fanfare for placing up factors, however he takes a whole lot of delight in blocking photographs. It’s going to sting a bit bit. I do know I really feel it with my goalie pads generally, so I can solely think about what that looks like (for a defenceman). Undoubtedly a courageous man.”

In time, the participant who ought to profit most from Tanev’s presence is defence accomplice Morgan Rielly. It might develop that the latter can play a bit extra free with Tanev at his aspect.

“We’re making an attempt to work collectively,” Rielly mentioned. “I don’t assume it’s about anybody particular person altering to a selected fashion.

“It’s about us working collectively and we’re going to proceed to work at it. He’s a fantastic participant, so we’ll maintain speaking and dealing. It has been good.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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