Gavin McKenna is pointless through his first three games, as the pressure starts to grow on the rookie to at least get his first one out of the way.
All the hype around Gavin McKenna might be getting to the rookie, as he has yet to score a point in his first three games in the NHL. While there's still loads of time for him to get things together, he really needs to get the monkey off his back and finally secure that ever-important first point.
His line isn't exactly thriving right now, and there might be a reason to change things up ahead of Tuesday's game vs. Nashville however it seems like Jim Hiller is more than willing to run with things until the wheels do indeed fall off.
The pressure might be starting to weigh on Gavin McKenna
But the pressure has to be starting to get to McKenna and that's not a good thing. Despite his head coach saying otherwise, and his teammates trying to assure fans that patience is the most important virtue - it's at least a little concerning.
McKenna just hasn't looked truly comfortable yet, and while he's gotten his touches, they aren't exactly prime chances. Often bumped off the puck way too easily, McKenna isn't experienced enough to be trying to run things yet. Case in point, his inclusion in Toronto's 6-on-5 vs. Ottawa.
Hiller decided that instead of using the relentless spark plug that is Easton Cowan, he wanted McKenna to get some time towards a critical end of the game. Credit to the coach for throwing him into the fire, but he shouldn't have been out there. He lost the puck pretty easily early on, and never recovered.
Of course there's time, but there could be another factor that may be weighing on McKenna that is being a bit overlooked.
Toronto's schedule adds extra pressure to McKenna's rookie year
It's not that Toronto's schedule is hard to start the season though they do face some heavy hitters early on. It's the fact that McKenna has been in front of a home crowd every single game thus far, and has felt the pinch.
Thursday is the first time that he's away from Scotiabank Arena, and given that Leafs fans are relentless - and coming off a loss - they aren't going to take well to any mishaps. Giving him a chance away from home will lessen the pressure and allow him to acclimate a little more.
He still will have to deal with crowd noise, but it won't be as intense nor aggressive.
McKenna should have an easier time getting his first point against Vegas on Thursday and while they are a fantastic team, it's at least a new environment.
Once he gets that first point, then those games at home are easier especially since fans will breathe a sigh of relief knowing he's finally scored and the pressure might lighten itself as each game passes by.
Do you think the Maple Leafs need to move Gavin McKenna down the lineup?
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