When Sheldon Keefe shared his expectations for Nick Robertson and detailed what the prospect needed to demonstrate in the team’s single tune-up game in order to prove he should remain a fixture for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the qualification round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the coach mentioned establishing a level of comfort, having a meaningful impact through energy, effort and enthusiasm, and establishing a level of comfort.
With the two buns in the criteria sandwich proving to be the same, it seemed clear that the most important thing for the 18-year-old Robertson in this short window was to look similar, or at least close to, the player that scored 55 goals in 46 games with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League this season, despite the obvious step up in competition.