Sheldon Keefe Comments On Tyler Bertuzzi's Slow Start

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Julien Trekker
October 21, 2023 (11:11)

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Treliving's New Acquisitions Struggle to Adapt.

Brad Treliving's summer acquisitions haven't been producing as fans had expected.

Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi have both faced challenges on the ice since the season began.

Domi has struggled to adapt to his limited ice time, while Bertuzzi has yet to sync with Marner and Matthews' pace.

Domi's performances are easily understandable given his limited ice time and bottom-six role, but Bertuzzi, who has been playing on the top line, needs to step up.

Keefe Speaks Up on Bertuzzi's Slow Start

Leafs' head coach Sheldon Keefe commented on Bertuzzi's start to the season and his chemistry with Matthews and Marner.

"I think it's a work in progress for them, for sure. Bert's a guy who does a lot of great work below the circles in the offensive zone. That's where he's at his best.

In some other areas of his game while playing with Austin and Mitch, it's harder to adjust to the pace and the skill that they play with coming out of our zone. However, he's been really effective below the circles, which is what he does and who he is. So Auston and Mitch need to consistently get the puck to those areas, and I think you'll see it start to thrive." - Keefe on the Bertuzzi-Matthews-Marner line

Auston Matthews also discussed his line and helping Bertuzzi acclimate to their pace.

"I think as time continues to go on and [we get] more repetitions together as a line, we'll have a better idea of where each other likes to be, and we'll find that chemistry a little bit easier."

Let's hope they soon reach the level they aim for! If not, changes in the lineup could come sooner rather than later...

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Bertuzzi provides update regarding his playing status ahead of tonight's game in Tampa