Craig Berube on Nick Robertson's uptick in ice time and point production: "He's getting more opportunities, and he's deserved it"

"Nick Robertson has earned more ice time of late. We've seen him on the penalty kill, too. What do you like about him there? Berube: I always thought that Nicky played a structured game without the puck. He has speed and tenacity. I do like him on the penalty kill; I like Bobby (McMann) and him, and I use them both here and there."

"What about Robertson's game has allowed him to produce a lot more recently? Berube: I have given him more opportunities, but he has deserved it. That is part of it, and that is confidence, right? He feels good about his game. He is getting a lot of good puck touches. He is getting shots and scoring. He is confident. It is a big part of the game."

"What have you made of Auston Matthews' evolution on the PK? He made a couple of big plays against Pittsburgh shorthanded. Berube: That effort by him in the third period is what he is capable of doing. Penalty kill-wise, he is good in the faceoff dot, which is important, and he is a smart player. A lot of these offensive guys know what power plays are trying to do, and they have some anticipation to them. That is important on the PK."

Nick Robertson has received increased top-six minutes and penalty-kill shifts due to a structured off-puck game, speed, tenacity, and rising confidence. He is receiving more puck touches, more shots, and more scoring opportunities. Auston Matthews contributes in all phases, excels in faceoffs, penalty killing, and matchups against top lines. John Tavares reached 500 career goals and will be honored with a pregame ceremony that has energized the team. Scott Laughton has returned to the lineup. Joseph Woll is nearing a return to the crease and could be back soon.

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