Craig Berube Announces a Critical Game-Time Decision Against the Detroit Red Wings
In a big sign of relief for the Maple Leafs defense, Chris Tanev made his return to practice after suffering a lower-body injury but is still a game-time decision.
Signed in the offseason to add some much needed shutdown defense to the team, Chris Tanev has been a massive bright spot for the Maple Leafs this season. A shot-blocking machine, he unfortunately missed the team's last game against Winnipeg due to a lower-body injury.
Though it was unknown how bad it was, clearly Tanev was able to recover over the Christmas break as the defenseman was back on the ice Friday ahead of Toronto's game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Although he was seen on the ice, head coach Craig Berube was still unsure of Tanev's availability for the Detroit game, mentioning the blueliner is a game-time decision; a staple of a Berube lineup.
Toronto Would Love To Have Chris Tanev Back
If there was any indication the Maple Leafs need Tanev, it was last game against the Winnipeg Jets. Unable to find any rhythm, the team looked lost and scattered without their brick wall blueliner. It was a valiant effort, but he is the glue that holds the team's back half together.
With 99 blocked shots this season, Tanev has been an incredible force on the ice. Playing in Toronto has given the veteran a new lease on his career, and it's showing on the ice.
Never one to back down from taking a shot, his defensive IQ and minute details of his game pay huge dividends for the Leafs.
Being listed as a game-time decision is a bit worrying for Maple Leafs fans, as so many other players this season have found themselves missing time hidden behind a 'game-time decision' moniker. Traditionally suited for healthy scratches, Berube is known to wait last minute and follow his gut to make the final calls.
Also having a decently offensive season as well with a goal and nine assists, his tandem with Jake McCabe has been some of the league's best defense and a crucial part as to why Toronto has been so successful, along with their goaltending.
The team's schedule doesn't get easier, and while they don't have back-to-back games in January, they don't get much rest either. Several games are separated by one day of rest, and Toronto needs to make sure everyone is healthy.
Chris Tanev wants to be back on the ice just as much as Toronto needs him to be, though they need to tread carefully because if they lose him for a long period of time then the season could collapse in the blink of an eye.
