Nick Robertson is keeping his chin up.
The Maple Leafs winger on Tuesday said he is “happy with his game” despite having trouble putting the puck in the net.
Robertson had one goal, on Oct. 22 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, in 14 games before the Leafs played host to Ottawa Senators.
“I don’t have a good relationship with the puck right now, but I feel more confident than I was last year and finding ways to be confident without scoring,” Robertson said after taking part in the optional morning skate. “It’s a typical saying, you stick with it, it’s going to come. I’m relying on that.”
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Robertson has been effective in other ways. He had drawn seven penalties at five-on-five, the most among Leafs, and there haven’t been many shifts where he has not played with his hallmark determination.
Fitting into coach Craig Berube’s system as a smaller forward isn’t easy, but Robertson is finding a way.
“He doesn’t seem too frustrated,” Berube said. “He’s an engine. He has a good motor and he’s got to keep working and keep grinding. Once maybe one or two go in, it’ll happen a little bit more often.
“He needs a little bit more puck luck and maybe getting the inside a little bit more, and getting around the net and getting some rebound chances. He’s done that to a certain extent.
“He can’t ever let his foot off the gas. He has to keep pushing.”
In the first period against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, Robertson beat Wings goalie Cam Talbot from in tight, but the goal was called off after it was ruled that Bobby McMann interfered with Talbot.
“You have to reset (after the non-goal),” Robertson said. “It sucks. I really wanted that one, but I think it made me play a better game, just because I was a little irritated that it was disallowed. It was one of my best games.”
The game against the Wings marked Robertson’s 100th in the National Hockey League.
“It (meant) a lot,” Robertson said, undoubtedly thinking of the injuries he endured before hitting the milestone. “I didn’t think about it too much until everyone started congratulating me on it and saying it was a big deal. I’m happy to get to 100 and hopefully 100 more.”
X: @koshtorontosun