'I've Been Working On My Tips For A Couple Of Months While I've Been Injured': Ryan Reaves Delivers With Goal in Maple Leafs Win Against Jets
In his first game back in six weeks, Reaves scored his second goal of the season in front of family and friends.
James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports - 'I've Been Working On My Tips For A Couple Of Months While I've Been Injured': Ryan Reaves Delivers With Goal in Maple Leafs Win Against JetsWINNIPEG — Ryan Reaves had been waiting patiently for a chance to get back into the lineup.
After injuries to Bobby McMann (lingering lower-body) and Calle Jarnkrok (broken knuckle) left the Toronto Maple Leafs without other options, Reaves finally got into the lineup on Saturday and took full advantage of his 9:33 of ice time in a 4-2 victory against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.
With the Jets up 1-0 in the first period, Reaves forced an offensive zone turnover and then put himself in front of the net to tip Noah Gregor's shot and tie the game 1-1.
"Oh man, it felt really good," Reaves said following the game. It's been a while being on the sheet itself, that one felt good."
And why wouldn't it?
Reaves had gone six weeks without playing an NHL game. After sustaining a knee injury on Dec. 14 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the 37-year-old forward returned to practice on Jan. 2 but continued to wait things out, eventually admitting to Sportsnet's Luke Fox last week that he had been "healthy for weeks".
It was difficult for Reaves to try and stay mentally sharp but he never lost his sense of humor about the situation, even crediting some of his extra time spent in practice not playing as a reason for his goal on Saturday.
"I’ve been working on my tips for a couple of months while I’ve been injured," he said with a smile. "I’m glad that one paid off."
Before his injury, Reaves was already struggling in his first season with the Leafs and found himself on the ice for far more goals allowed than given up. He had been a healthy scratch for a few games before his injury after starting the season as an everyday player.
And the Leafs invested a lot in him, too.
Signed to a three-year, $4.05 million contract by the Leafs in July, the game Reaves delivered against the Jets was more like what the club had envisioned for him.
There were the off-ice attributes like being a loud personality that the player promised he would be. But there was still the expectation he would be depended on daily.
"Reavo’s been such a great fit for our locker room," Maple Leafs captain John Tavares said. "I think the parts of the game that he brings, you always love seeing a guy him step in and get rewarded offensively. We’re thrilled for him."
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe liked how Reaves created his goal and executed Toronto's overall plan of attack against the Jets.
"He’s at the net, which was a clear plan of ours tonight to just be around that space, he gets his stick on it and gets rewarded," Keefe said of Reaves. "A huge moment in the game obviously to not allow them to build much of a lead and to get us all square in the first period.
"Reavo gave us lots here tonight. Lots of energy. Physical. Defensively really good. I liked that line here tonight."
The Winnipeg native had his parents in attendance for the game as well as some friends. One game is probably not enough of a redemption story for the forward but he hopes his big night at home (which included 9:33 of ice time) can turn into a turning point in his first season as a Leaf.
"I hope so," Reaves said. "I liked where my game was today. I thought our line got on the forecheck well and handled the D-zone
"I hope I’m able to build off it."
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