Photo credit: SERGEI BELSKI-IMAGN IMAGES
Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson has opened up about a special gift he received from his idol and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins are meeting for the second time this season on Saturday night. For the Maple Leafs, they are in need of a desperate win as their playoff aspirations slowly fade with each passing loss.
Maple Leafs’ poor season has a few bright spots
While the Maple Leafs have dealt with more than the usual number of injuries this season, it has set the stage for some players to take on elevated roles on some nights. One of the players who has benefited from the added ice time is Nick Robertson.
Robertson has performed well this season when given the opportunity and will continue to do so when he is presented with more minutes. He has averaged 13:15 of ice time this season, the highest output of his career.
Robertson opens up about special gift from his childhood idol, Sidney Crosby
The last time the Maple Leafs and Penguins met was on November 3rd, when the Maple Leafs came out victorious in a come from behind victory after surrendering a 3-0 lead to the Pens.
That victory was extra special for Robertson, as he received a once in a lifetime gift from his boyhood idol Sidney Crosby — a stick, which he keeps in a safe place back home.
“In my house in Michigan, tucked away, where no one can take it.”
If he continues at this pace, it will be his 21st straight season scoring at a point per game rate in his NHL career, a stat that almost seems impossible.
While Robertson was moved to the fourth line for tonight’s game after several Leafs players returned from injuries and illness, you can be sure he’s relishing every second of ice time he gets against his favourite player.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily