Sep 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (89) prepares for a faceoff against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesIt was a night to remember for Nick Robertson and his family, as the Toronto Maple Leafs forward helped propel his team to a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, registering two goals in the second period, including the game-winner. It was just his fourth multi-point game of the season and his first since December 20 against the Buffalo Sabres.
The tallies also marked Robertson’s first two-goal game this season, and he did it in one period.
“It was nice. I kind of made a conscious effort because I think second periods kind of get stale for us, so I wanted to have a good second and fortunately got a couple in,” said Robertson post-game.
The speed and chemistry between him, Bobby McMann, and Max Domi were on full display in the club’s first regulation win in Chicago since February 12, 2003.
On his first goal, which tied the game, it was a quick tic-tac-toe play between the trio. McMann, pressured between a pair of Blackhawks in the corner, shuffled a one-handed pass to Domi who found Robertson alone in front, making no mistake.
“I mean, he’s so effective out there, causing plays, and he’s strong, fast. He keeps his game simple but he’s so effective. That’s the takeaway from his game,” Robertson said of McMann.
“Doms is a really good passer so you gotta be ready to shoot. I think we complement our games well,” added Robertson. “Again, we gotta play direct, fast, and be shooters. (Domi is) well-decorated as a passer but he has a good shot too and Bob has a good shot too. We all have to stick to our strengths.”
The second goal was just as impressive.
Domi used his speed to outskate Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones and found Robertson in the slot for a perfect setup. Robertson wasted no time, scoring his second goal of the night – which proved to be the game-winning goal.
A Piece of History
It was a big night for the Robertson family.
Older brother Jason, a star forward for the Dallas Stars, registered a hat-trick in a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders while Nick was one goal shy of the feat against Chicago. Combined, the two had five goals between themselves on Sunday night.
It was an exciting evening for the parents at the Robertson household.
“I was thinking about it, but another time hopefully,” said Robertson, referencing his almost hat trick.
“It’s exciting. It’s exciting for my parents. They got double TVs so they’re jumping off the couch five times tonight so it’s good to see him do well and it’s nice to have a good game, too,” he explained.
With the goals, Nick and Jason became the first pair of brothers to score multiple goals on the same day since Pavel Bure and Valeri Bure on March 1, 2000.
With the help of Robertson, the Leafs regained first place in the Atlantic Division, now boasting a 35-20-2 record and 72 points. Following the back-to-back weekend, the club has a day off on Monday before resuming action on Tuesday in Boston.
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