When Craig Berube spelled out the importance of getting Bobby McMann back in the lineup, the Maple Leafs coach indirectly gave an an idea of why it’s not working out for Nick Robertson.
McMann, on the sideline for the past seven games as he recovered from a lower-body injury, is expected to be in the Toronto lineup on Saturday night in Detroit against the Red Wings. Robertson, who has two goals in 23 games, did not take part in regular line rushes in practice on Friday, an indication that he will be scratched for the fourth game in a row.
“His speed and his size, another power forward in our lineup,” Berube said in describing McMann. “You look at our left side with (Matthew) Knies, (Max) Pacioretty, McMann, I love the size and the power-forward type player, up and down the wings, banging bodies, going to the net.”
Robertson isn’t big and doesn’t bang bodies. It’s no fault of the player, but he doesn’t fit the mould that Berube wants.
McMann said he felt good after practice and was hopeful of returning in Motown. He worked on a line with centre Fraser Minten and Max Domi on the right wing.
“I’ve definitely been skating a good amount, I didn’t miss a lot of time off the ice,” said McMann, who was hurt on Nov. 27 against the Florida Panthers. “The game speed is always something that takes a bit of an adjustment. But not being out that long, I don’t think it’ll be too hard, and I trust I’ll rely on what works well for me.
“Initially (with an injury), there’s always that frustration, and you’re hoping that it’s not anything too drastic. You’re waiting for the pain to go away a little bit and then reassess. I just overstretched on a stride and felt it through my groin.”
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