Get your noses dirty.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube would offer the same advice to a couple of forwards who haven’t contributed much in 2024-25.
We’re talking about Max Domi, who is possible to return on Tuesday night in New Jersey against the Devils after missing the past eight games with a lower-body injury, and Nick Robertson, who was a healthy scratch in Pittsburgh on Saturday but might be back in versus the Devils.
Domi was riding a 13-game pointless streak when he was forced out of the lineup after playing against Edmonton on Nov. 16, and has just six assists in 19 games.
Robertson, despite getting the most ice time he has had during his NHL career, has two goals in 23 games.
“I think Max has got to take a little different approach and not be such a selfless player and shoot more, and just get to the net and greasy areas a little bit more,” Berube told reporters in Newark after the Leafs practised on Monday. “He’s that type of player, he can score goals there. He is a strong guy and a heavy guy.
“A lot like Nick Robertson, (Domi) has got to get to the inside more and get around that net and score some greasy goals. We need secondary scoring.”
In his first media availability in more than a month, Domi didn’t go in-depth regarding his injury.
“I can’t speak to that too much, but I take a lot of pride in being available for the team and trying to help the team win and sometimes that entails playing through things here and there. It gets to a point where you have to let it heal,” Domi said. “In my case, it was a decision that we decided the rest would benefit not just myself, but the group as well and now I’m feeling good.”
Domi didn’t agree that his lack of goals might be bothersome.
“I would not say that at all,” Domi said. “You know what, I think we would all agree that if the team wins, that’s all that matters.
“I could care less if you have 90 goals or zero goals. If you’re on the ice and you’re helping the team win, you’re doing your job and you’re helping out. There are always other ways you could help out.”
Domi signed a four-year, $15-million US contract extension in July. Producing offence is why general manager Brad Treliving put that trust in him. If Domi is not putting the puck in the net, or helping others do it, he’s coming up short.
Whether Domi and Robertson can provide what Berube seeks remains to be seen. The style that Berube likes is more suited to larger Leafs wingers who play with more power, including Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann.
With the Leafs struggling to score at 5-on-5, Berube liked the goal that Mitch Marner scored in Pittsburgh when the gifted winger swatted the puck into the net as he was knocked to the ice. Marner is no mountain either, but perhaps Domi and Robertson can see it as a good example.
“I like the greasy goals,” Berube said. “In general, we want to try to keep improving on that because as it gets tighter, and as you go throughout the year and the playoffs, it’s hard to score fancy goals and cute goals.
“We talk about two at the net all the time. And that (Marner) goal, there was two at the net. We just have to keep harping on that.”
Robertson has failed to translate a fine pre-season into the regular season, but he is keeping his chin up. He is averaging 12 minutes 17 seconds a game, nearly a minute more than his career average of 11:18.
“Execution, I have to bury some of these goals,” Robertson said. “Luck comes with it … those go in and your mind changes, you feel good, you feel better, feel more confident.
“I’m working hard. I’m trying everything I can, the work ethic is not something (Berube) is not happy with. I just have to keep working hard and hope the luck and the execution on my end starts coming.”
Berube hopes so, too.
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LOOSE LEAFS
Whether Domi and defenceman Jake McCabe (head) play against the Devils will be decided on Tuesday. Both practised on Monday. “They look fine,” Berube said. “They’re coming along very well. We will see how they come out of here today, then we will make decisions.” … While most players spent the day off on Sunday exploring New York City, Berube headed to his off-season home in New Hope, Pa., to see his wife and family. “It’s hard (not living with them during the season),” the coach said. “I’ve done it for a while now. (When he was coaching the Blues) St. Louis was the same situation. You get used to it. I always say it’s harder on them, the kids and the wife. It’s difficult for me too, but if you choose to do this, that’s some of the situations you could be in.” … Leafs captain Auston Matthews on how close he is to being 100%, after recording seven points in five games since returning from an upper-body injury: “I’m getting there. It’s tough. You jump back right into games after being out, it takes a little bit of time. The wear and tear and the grind of playing a lot comes back, (but) every day and game I’m feeling better.” … McMann (lower body) didn’t practise Monday.
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