Toronto Maple Leafs
‘You Don’t Lose When You Come Into Toronto’: Kings Defenseman Drew Doughty Delivers Bold Message To Teammates Ahead Of Matchup Against Maple Leafs
Doughty is sidelined as he rehabs from a fractured left ankle injury and will not be playing on Wednesday night against the Leafs.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for a Wednesday night matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, veteran defenseman Drew Doughty will not be a part of their scouting plans. The London, Ontario, native who underwent surgery in early October to repair a fractured left ankle, won’t suit up against the Leafs on Wednesday. But Doughty is still delivering motivation from afar.
When asked if the Kings have an added ‘juice’ to perform in a game against the Leafs in Toronto on Wednesday, head coach Jim Hiller said in a video posted by TSN, “It’s always like that, yeah. Of course, we’re missing Drew (Doughty) who - Drew loved to play in Toronto. He’d bring everybody in from London, but he’s encouraging the guys and letting them know that ‘You don’t lose when you come into Toronto.’”
The 34-year-old suffered an ankle injury during a collision with Vegas Golden Knights forward Tanner Pearson in a preseason game on September 25. The Kings have listed Doughty as month-to-month following his surgery, but his energy and leadership remain the same – especially ahead of their game in Toronto.
Kings forward Quinton Byfield, a Toronto-area native from Newmarket, Ontario, echoed what Doughty’s presence means to the team and the message ahead of Wednesday’s matchup. “Just being in Toronto and him being around the area – it’s extra special for him,” Byfield said in a video posted by Sportsnet. “We miss him, and he misses us. He’ll be tuning in and cheering for us.”
There is often an added weight when playing in Toronto, but for the opposition, for those from the area like Doughty and Byfield, it’s a chance to perform and play harder against the Leafs with plenty of family and friends in attendance. Besides, for most players who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, it could be an opportunity to beat their favorite childhood team.
According to statmuse.com, in Doughty’s career, which began in the 2008-09 season, he has played the Maple Leafs 22 times. Over that stretch, he has recorded two goals, eight assists, and registered a -1 rating. In their last 10 games against one another, the Leafs are 6-3-1. Since the 2008-09 season, the Leafs hold a 12-9-3 record in 24 games.
We’ll have to see which way the tide turns, but Doughty is motivating his team to come to Toronto and beat the Maple Leafs, who are winners of their last two contests. Wednesday’s game will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet in Canada. You can catch the game on ESPN+ and Fubo Sports+ in the United States.
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