Nic Roy Admits the Real Reason the Maple Leafs Are Still Struggling to Find Their Game
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs added a lot of new faces this summer, which means it's taken longer to get things going, and forward Nic Roy admits it's going to take time.
Although they are sitting at a 4-4-1 record, it could be a lot worse for the Maple Leafs this season after a rough start that has seen them deal with several injuries, a lack of production from key contributors and some uncharacteristically shaky defense.
There's a lot of time to turn things around and with a lot of their ailing players on the mend, things are looking up for the team even if it's still going to be a battle, and they can't take any game for granted.
New Players, New System: Why the Maple Leafs Are Still Adjusting
But it's that defense that has severely lacked, and guys look like they are just not clicking with the Berube system; because at times they really don't, but it's not completely their own doing.
It's a product of coming from a slew of different coaching systems, something Nic Roy touched on, and how guys have to find their stride in their own end, playing a completely different style; but it's a challenge that the veteran forward welcomes:
The d zone is a little bit different I came from more I'm not going to get into details. I'd say it's probably the biggest part, just the d-zone adjustment.
Different role, try to play against the top lines over there, be reliable defensively. That's always what I've liked. I can play in different situations.
If my name gets called up to play in a more offensive situation, then I'll be ready. If it's the type of game I can help the team with, I'll be ready to do that and try as much as I can.
Different role, try to play against the top lines over there, be reliable defensively. That's always what I've liked. I can play in different situations.
If my name gets called up to play in a more offensive situation, then I'll be ready. If it's the type of game I can help the team with, I'll be ready to do that and try as much as I can.
Short of giving out Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy's game plan, Roy admitted there is a learning curve to Craig Berube's system and how he's shifted from one role to another.
But there was familiarity last season, which helped a lot as the new faces adapted quickly and any big changes came late in the season with Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo; Toronto was running with the same group for the most part who had years of chemistry.
That will come in time for Roy too and it seems like it will only be a matter of time before he truly gets it figured out to become a key piece of the lineup as he was intended to be.
Nic Roy And Maple Leafs Granted Perfect Chance To Turn Things Around
The ultimate team player, Roy doesn't care what role he plays as long as he helps the team win, and he has looked a lot more comfortable in a Leafs jersey the past couple of games.
Acquired in the Mitch Marner trade, Roy was expected to come in and anchor the third line while providing elite penalty killing and defense, on top of offensive contributions.
Although he has only three points in nine games, he has been solid with seven blocks and 12 hits already and is on pace for career highs in both categories.
It hasn't helped that Roy and others have dealt with a very shaky defensive group who has been caught puck-watching more than they have defended. Giving up 33 goals already, last year they had given up 28 which isn't great, but five goals is still five goals.
With a game against the last-place Flames on Tuesday, it's the perfect chance to find their stride and take advantage of a struggling team to build their own confidence and chemistry.
This new period of the Maple Leafs stresses a lot of patience, and for fans who have waited 58 years for a chance to win, that tolerance is reaching it's breaking point.
However with them finally starting to come together, maybe fans can hold out for just a little longer to see what can happen.
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