Leafs HC Craig Berube makes his feelings known about Nick Robertson's one-goal-in-eighteen-games slump

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube discussed Nick Robertson's scoring struggles after Sunday's game against Utah. Robertson has only one goal in 17 games this season. He has no assists and a +2 rating, averaging 12 minutes and 8 seconds on the ice.

Last season, he showed promise with 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games. However, adapting to Berube’s system, which limits rush opportunities, has been difficult.

“He’s just gotta stick with it. We all feel for him and want him to put the puck in the net. It’s not easy. He did some real good things tonight, even though he didn’t score,” Berube said.

At 23 and 5-foot-9, Nick Robertson is developing his game beyond scoring. He focuses on defense and winning puck battles, drawing inspiration from Mitch Marner’s puck-stealing skills.

“I’ve gotten better at stealing pucks and want to do an even better job at it,” Robertson said (via nytimes.com).

Robertson’s only goal this season came over a month ago in a loss to Columbus. Playing on the third line, he has struggled to create offense. Linemate Pontus Holmberg offers less offensive support than Max Domi did last season. Many of Robertson’s shots have been blocked or missed the net, reducing his scoring opportunities.

Despite his struggles, Nick Robertson is positive. His defense has improved, allowing only two five-on-five goals against this season.

Maple Leafs beat Utah 3-2: Marner scores twice, Nick Robertson goes scoreless again

Nick Robertson had one shot on goal in 16:53 minutes of ice time against Utah. The Maple Leafs continued their strong form with a 3-2 win over Utah. They have now won seven of their last eight games without captain Auston Matthews.

Mitch Marner scored twice and now has eight points in his last four games. William Nylander added a goal and an assist, and Joseph Woll made 23 saves. Logan Cooley had a goal and an assist for Utah, while Karel Vejmelka stopped 32 of 35 shots.

Cooley scored first at 17:48 of the first period on a power play. Marner tied it with a breakaway goal early in the second. He scored again on a power play at 9:34. Nylander made it 3-1 on a breakaway before Jack McBain’s deflection cut the lead to 3-2.