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Max Pacioretty held a lofty measure of respect for John Tavares when the two were National Hockey League adversaries.
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Now that they’re linemates with the Maple Leafs, that admiration has gone a notch or two higher.
“He’s one of the most dialled-in, committed players I’ve ever seen when it comes to on ice, off ice,” Pacioretty said. “I really like old-school mentality players, in the sense of talking to each other about every play, chemistry.”
In Tavares, Pacorietty sees a kindred spirit.
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“I felt like I was always a little bit out there with things I like to do in keeping a routine and trying to feel as good as I can,” Pacorietty said. “He’s probably got a bit more tendencies than I do, whether it’s part of a warmup or a routine. I’ve learned a lot from him already in the short time I’ve been here.”
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Tavares’ skating improved under Leafs consultant Paul Matheson, and Pacorietty is discovering a similar extra step. On the skills side, Tavares has benefited from working with Patrick O’Sullivan, and Pacorietty now is as well.
“Everything I’m learning right now is completely against everything that I grew up learning in terms of skating,” Pacioretty said. “Johnny opened up my eyes to a big time. Paul and Patrick, I’ve been working with a lot.
“Everyone used to talk about long, powerful strides, and now it’s more of keeping your feet under your body and quick feet and staying on top of the ice. Look no further than 88 (as Pacioretty pointed to William Nylander’s locker stall), he’s probably the master at that.”
The line of Tavares between Pacioretty and Nylander combined for nine points in a 6-4 win in Winnipeg on Monday. That kind of production won’t happen every game, but coach Craig Berube liked what the line did to have success.
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“They were heavy on the puck,” Berube said. “That’s the biggest thing for me, is all three of them are heavy on pucks, won puck battles and went to the net and scored. All three goals were right around the net. They were very good.”
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