'He's Gotta Put A Couple In And Get Some Confidence': Why Nick Robertson Is Next Up To Get Opportunity Alongside William Nylander In Maple Leafs' Top-Six

Robertson hasn't scored since Oct. 22 in a 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Nick Robertson's relationship with the puck isn't good right now.

After scoring 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games last season, the 23-year-old has just one goal through 17 games this year. Robertson last found the back of the net 11 games ago, in a 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

But the goal-scoring forward might have a huge chance to end the cold streak this weekend. 

Robertson skated alongside Pontus Holmberg and William Nylander on the Maple Leafs' second line at practice Friday as several of Toronto's players continued to recover from injuries.

Max Domi, who's held that spot in the past, is out with a lower-body injury, however, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn't rule the forward out for Sunday's game against Utah.

It's still possible, though, that Robertson gets the opportunity to play alongside Nylander, who could help the young forward end the goalless drought.

"I think just playing fast and keeping it simple," Robertson said of what he needs to do to succeed if he's on that second line. "Let Willy do his thing and shoot the puck when I get a chance. I think I just gotta play with my pace and my game to compliment them and hopefully I can do that."

Robertson had a massive opportunity to find the back of the net against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday after Conor Timmins found him on a 2-on-1. However, Adin Hill came across to make the big save.

"He's getting some looks. He had a couple last game. He's just got to keep working. He's working hard. He's skating and using his speed," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Friday. 

"He got a chance to play with, and we'll see on Sunday, but with Willy. He gets in a good area of the ice and gets open, there's a guy that can find him. He's gotta put a couple in and get some confidence."

For a goalscorer like Robertson, it feels like he'll continue to find the back of the net once he scores. He believes that'll be the case too. 

However, he needs to find the back of the net first. And the forward will get a great chance at doing so against the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday if he remains on the second line alongside Nylander and Holmberg.

"I think I've had my chances to get a few on the board, but it is what it is. I thought I was going to put it in last game when there was a scrum, a 2-on-1, but it is what it is," said Robertson on Friday. 

"I just gotta keep plugging away and not worrying about the past, not worrying about where it's at and just kind of take it game-by-game and focus on what I can do to have a good game."