'I Want To Get My Game Good Going Into Playoffs': Nick Robertson Scores Twice In Maple Leafs' Win Over Blue Jackets After Scratch

Robertson's two goals on Saturday night ties his career-high of 14 goals in a season.

Nick Robertson is doing everything he can to be in the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs.

After being scratched for three straight games, the 23-year-old rejoined Toronto's lineup Saturday on a mission, which he's done often throughout the past year. Robertson scored the first two goals for the Maple Leafs in their 5-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

First, Steven Lorentz pressured Elvis Merzlikins, who tried to make a pass to Zach Werenski, which bounced off his skate. Pontus Holmberg picked up the loose puck and found Robertson for his 13th of the season.

Nearly a period later, after Max Domi created a turnover, Robertson used his patented five-hole shot to beat Merzlikins for his second of the night and 14th goal of the season.

"He’s got an elite shot," said Anthony Stolarz, who admitted he's been fooled by Robertson's five-hole shot plenty of times in practice. "He knows where to place it so you give him some open space, he’s going to score more times than not."

What stands out most about Robertson's performance is his ability to return to the lineup and find the back of the net instantly. He's re-joined the Maple Leafs lineup seven times after being a healthy scratch, and he's scored four goals in that span.

Robertson uses the time out of games as a reset:  "It gives you even more of that hunger to get back in and be effective, and try to make the most of any opportunity I’m given.

"And I thought I did that tonight. It’s now my job to recover, prepare, and continue the same mindset next game."

Robertson is up to 14 goals and seven assists for 21 points in 63 games this season. On Saturday, he tied his career-high in goals, and he will likely surpass that in the final six games of the regular season.

Even Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube — who decides to scratch the forward — has noticed that Robertson is "a little bit more hungry" when he returns to Toronto's lineup.

"Listen, the guy's got great speed, can score goals, he can shoot. I think he's played pretty good hockey for us this year. It's not like he hasn't," Berube said on Saturday night.

"And like I said, sometimes you make decisions in the lineup, but Nick's just gotta manage the puck more than anything, I think. Being simple with it, getting pucks out, getting pucks in, and then when you have the opportunity, he uses his speed very well and capitalizes on some chances he gets."

After practices, both Robertson and Philippe Myers, who've been scratches for the last stretch, work together and encourage each other. "We battle in practice and we have a great group of guys in the room, too, so it just makes me more happy and positive to be around the guys," Robertson said.

With David Kampf and Jake McCabe out, the two got back into the lineup and were effective. The young forward, though, is trying to evolve his game into being a more physical player, too.

"I think I’m not the biggest guy, but I can do the little things to get touches on guys and limit rush plays by finishing my checks and keep my game simple," Robertson said. "I have a good shot and I want to stick to my strengths but also provide that speed in my game and also that physicality just to disrupt plays."

Saturday's game gives Robertson confidence. It also shows Toronto's coaching staff that when the team needs a goal, he can provide it. He's shown that many times before, but this could be where Robertson locks in his playoff lineup spot.

"I mean, you want to show you can contribute, and I want to get my game really good going into playoffs."

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