Nick Robertson’s challenging season took another hit this weekend as the Toronto Maple Leafs forward was a healthy scratch during Saturday’s 5–2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This followed his benching in Friday’s defeat to the Washington Capitals, where Robertson played just two shifts in the third period.
“He just has to play better. That’s it,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said about Robertson’s struggles, per Leafs Latest. “We all know that. I talked to him today about it. We’ll figure it out.
“It’s my job and the coaching staff’s job to help him. It’s his job to find a way to play better hockey. He’s capable of it. He has ability—speed, a good shot. We have to find a way to get him going.”
Robertson, who signed a one-year deal to return to Toronto after requesting a trade in the offseason, has struggled to find consistency this season.
The 22-year-old winger broke a 13-game scoring drought on Dec. 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning but has since fallen back into a slump. He’s failed to score a single point in the three games after that and was scratched entirely for the latest matchup.
Robertson acknowledged his struggles last week, hinting at changes in his preparation and potentially moving lines and positions on the ice.
“Maybe switch it up a little bit. I was open to anything,” Robertson said. “I thought it was necessary.
”Good to know I have this (experience) in my back pocket. I looked at my game to be the best effective I can (during his struggle).”
The Maple Leafs, now riding a two-game losing streak, have fallen behind the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division standings boasting a 16-9-2 record through Saturday’s defeat to Pittsburgh.