Maple Leafs’ McCabe, Robertson preview tough test versus ‘hard, fast’ Hurricanes

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Maple Leafs’ McCabe, Robertson preview tough test versus ‘hard, fast’ Hurricanes

As a blizzard continues to blow through town, a storm is brewing inside Scotiabank Arena, with the Toronto Maple Leafs set to host the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
After a tough loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, the Leafs will look to regroup quick in facing a hot Hurricanes team. Addressing media before Sunday’s game, Jake McCabe and Nick Robertson spoke about what the Leafs are anticipating in facing off against Carolina.

“They’ve done a good job of establishing identity over there for the last several years of playing hard, fast, and direct,” McCabe said. “They play with pace, they shoot the puck a lot, and go to the net. They make it stressful at our net, so we gotta do a good job in front of our goalie tonight.”

“They’re a very fast, hard team,” Robertson added. “Back-to-back here, we got to be smart, keep it simple, and hopefully get the win tonight.”

Toronto will be without its own tough presence in Scott Laughton on Sunday. The 31-year-old left Saturday’s contest against the Bruins and did not return following a hit from defenceman Nikita Zadorov. It’s a major loss for the team on and off the ice, according to McCabe.

“He’s frankly one of the best dressing room guys I’ve played with, I think that’s kind of well established,” McCabe said. “His presence, his ability to connect with the entire room, old, young, whatever it may be. Brings the laughs out, keeps it light, but has a great edge to him and plays a hard game too. So not only in the room, but on the ice he’s a leader for us. He’ll be missed for sure.”

Sunday’s matchup will be an extra special one, as the inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 will be in attendance ahead of their induction ceremony on Monday. McCabe and Robertson shared what it means to play in the Hockey Hall of Fame Game, both shouting out a member of this year’s Class.

“It’s a pretty cool thing that we do here,” McCabe said. “It’s my third one I’ve been a part of now tonight. Recognizing the names here, you know, Brianna Decker, fellow Wisconsin Badger. So very special night for them and I always like to be a part of it.”

“It’s awesome, obviously with Jumbo (Joe Thornton) I played with him, so I’m excited to see him up there,” Robertson said.

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