"Sammy is going to play his game. He is a physical player. He is going to take the body and forecheck hard. He has the capability of making something happen in the offensive zone, especially in tight areas. He has good hands in tight areas. He just has to go play his game. I've seen it before. He will bring energy tonight."
"The way we managed the puck was pretty good. There were some turnovers that cost us, but overall, the puck management was pretty good. We played directly for most of the game. When you do that, good things happen. We ended up with almost 40 shots on net, with a lot of good opportunities. In back-to-backs, you have to be intelligent and smart. We gave up maybe one or two odd-man rushes in last night's game, so we have to stay with that. This team can go. They like to go."
"It is a back-to-back with travel. You have to play with intelligence. You have to understand situations a little bit more. It will be key for pucks to go deep on line changes. There will be some separation plays. You just have to play smarter. You have to stay above people and be more patient in your game."
Sammy Blais will make his Toronto debut while William Nylander remains sidelined as the Maple Leafs pursue a third straight victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blais projects as a physical forechecker with strong hands in tight areas who can create offense in close quarters. The team showed improved puck management, generated nearly 40 shots and created many scoring opportunities. In a back-to-back with travel, emphasis falls on playing intelligently, sending pucks deep on line changes, staying above opponents, and staying patient. The Blue Jackets counter with skilled players such as Adam Fantilli and defenseman Werenski, and national attention currently focuses on the Blue Jays in the World Series.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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