Curious to know from those who watch the Marlies and Leafs:
How does Robertson's play on the Marlies differ on the Leafs?
I know the competition level is different, but I'm more interested in what goes on between Robertson's ears when he's playing.
On the Leafs, I find he tries to do too much and is too much like a waterbug. Playing hard but not playing smart. My gut is that he is putting too much pressure on himself to make an impression to stay on the Leafs in a way that he wouldn't when he's on the Marlies.
In doing so, he's making it harder for himself when he does get called up, and he needs to bring his Marlies game up when given the chance.
Anyone care to weigh in? Does Robertson's style of play change when he's up with the Leafs vs. when he's on the Marlies?
Cheers,
I try to watch/attend Marlies when possible, but others will be able to give a better and more informed answer than I can. But for me, it just seems like in the AHL, he has more time and space to do what he does best, especially getting that shot off.
At the NHL level, not only does he have less time and space when the puck comes to him, but he has less time and space to make opportunities for himself.
I think of his two goals against Dallas. Both utilized his amazing shot. Both of them he found the open areas (the 3on3 he was essentially wide open the whole time due to the situation) and received top notch passes for him to get his shot off.
These plays are come easier and more often in the AHL. In the NHL, he's going to need to work to create more for himself in that regard.
That is really just my two cents of it all.
