Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook! For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs practiced for the final time during Phase 3 of the NHL’s Return to Play Plan at the Ford Performance Centre on Saturday. After spending most of the last four months in the world changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the club will embark on another excursion into unfamiliar territory, as they go into the NHL “bubble… in preparation for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs next weekend.
The Leafs will go through another COVID test on Sunday morning and will be bussed to the Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto for a stay that could last 10 days if they lose to the Columbus Blue Jackets or into September if Toronto advances past the second round.
"From what I've understood, there is gonna be some meals together, we'll be at the rink quite a bit, we have our treatment room and our lounge as well," Leafs team captain John Tavares said on Saturday. "We're still waiting on some more specific details, it's obviously quite a bit of planning and quite a bit that the league's putting into this that has been really time crunched, so we're still getting some details, but I think overall the importance is obviously, keeping everyone involved and everyone together."
While being away from their families and more trivial matters like the dress code and what to bring in the bubble were on the minds of the players, the focus will be on the task of getting ready for the exhibition game against Montreal on Tuesday and being ready for an unprecedented challenge.
Spezza giving Robertson some pointers after practice pic.twitter.com/CbwEleUJ2E
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"In the big picture, we're very fortunate to be back playing (and) have the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. I think we know what a lot of people are going through what society is going through," Tavares said. "To be able to do this again and have a chance to complete this season and chase the Stanley Cup, there's nothing better than that. (We have to) just look at the big picture and realize we feel very fortunate to be in the position we are in."
Head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that a final decision on the club roster has yet to be made, but he did say that the status of 18-year-old Nick Robertson may hinge on how the youngster plays against the Canadiens.
"I think (Nick)needs to look comfortable. He needs to make an impact on the game, be it through his work ethic and his enthusiasm and his ability to create some offense and capitalize when he gets chances. We're just really looking to see 'can he look like himself?' and be able to play at what I suspect is going to be the highest caliber game that he's played in, given that he hasn't even played NHL exhibition game yet. This is not going to be just an NHL exhibition game, but it's going to be one that's full of NHL players." Keefe said. "(We'll) see how it all sorts itself out in terms of our other players. Like I said, there's more happening here that we're evaluating that doesn't involve Nick." *******
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