Nick Robertson was kept off the score sheet in the Maple Leafs’ preseason defeat to the Ottawa Senators.
With intense competition for roster spots during preseason, the 23-year-old was likely hoping for a stronger performance in the Maple Leafs’ second game.
The Leafs fell 2-1 to the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre, with the game-winning goal from Zack Ostapchuk at 12:36 in the third period.
Robertson logged 18 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time, the second-most among Leafs forwards, just behind Bobby McMann’s 18:44. While he exhibited the hustle expected from him, he couldn’t make a significant offensive impact against a veteran-heavy Senators lineup.
He registered two shots on goal from six attempts. During over 11 minutes of five-on-five play, the Senators only managed two shots while he was on the ice, a detail that will not go unnoticed by coach Craig Berube and his staff.
“You’re always competing,” Robertson stated after Tuesday’s morning skate at the Ford Performance Centre. “I just need to focus on my game and perform well; the coaches will handle the rest.
“We’re all competitors, not just against one person. Competition is constant in practice.”
However, one notable takeaway from the Leafs’ first two preseason games is that Max Pacioretty, on a professional tryout, scored two goals in the opener, while Robertson didn’t have a similar response two days later.
It’s worth noting that Robertson, who requested a trade in the off-season without success, would need to clear waivers if the Leafs decide to send him to the Toronto Marlies. Even though general manager Brad Treliving couldn’t secure a trade over the summer, it’s likely that Robertson would be claimed if the Leafs attempted to pass him through waivers.
