Robertson, Hildeby and the Maple Leafs PK crucial in victory

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Lots of fights, lots of penalties. And a couple of more goals from Nick Robertson.

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The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens got a big jolt on Saturday night, this one of the pre-season variety, in Toronto’s 2-1 victory at the Bell Centre.

The Leafs, with few NHL regulars in the lineup, killed off seven Canadiens power plays and got 26 saves from Dennis Hildeby in what was a character-building performance, if there is such a thing when the games don’t count in the standings.

Desperate for more scoring, the Canadiens suffered a major blow when forward Patrik Laine departed the game in the first period, favouring his left knee following a knee-on-knee collision with the Leafs’ Cedric Pare. There was no penalty on the play, but minutes later, Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj took matters into his own hands and attacked Pare. Xhekaj got a game misconduct, a fighting major and an instigating minor, and Robertson scored on the rare seven-minute power play.

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There were two other fights (though Pare was not penalized after Xhekaj went after him) and Montreal also lost defenceman David Reinbacher to injury.

Robertson picked the short side on Samuel Montembeault — off a sharp cross-ice pass from Easton Cowan — and scored his second of the game and third in two games in the third period. This time, he took a pass from Pontus Holmberg, burst down the wing and beat Cayden Primeau between the legs.

“We need him to lead by example,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said of Robertson in the morning. “He’s coming off a good, solid game, he needs another one.”

For Robertson, consider it done.

Our takeaways from the Leafs’ fourth pre-season game:

NICK MUST STICK

With two pre-season games remaining, it’s time to cool the discussion around Robertson and whether he should be in the opening-night lineup.

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Of course he should be. Case closed. Trade Robertson? No. Don’t be silly.

Even with most of the Leafs regulars back in Toronto on Saturday night, and with the Canadiens using most of their vets, Robertson was among the best players on the ice. Aside from his two goals, the young winger was effective defensively. He was on the ice for just two shots against in eight minutes of five-on-five play, and he was instrumental on the kill. Robertson played three minutes and 34 seconds while the Leafs were shorthanded, fourth among Toronto forwards after Holmberg, Steven Lorentz and Matthew Knies.

Overall, Robertson continued his fine play from Thursday night, when he also scored against the Canadiens.

“It’s great,” hen told TSN’s Mark Masters after the game on Saturday. “I just want to build on my confidence, chemistry with linemates. Other than myself, I’m really happy with the group tonight. Coming in as kind of an underdog, we did a great job.”

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Fact is, Robertson scores goals. He did it in limited ice time last season. And he’s just 23. Areas of his game in which he needs improvement don’t make him unique at his age. The Leafs have a deep development staff to help make him a better player.

The ability to put the puck in the net, though, comes naturally and the shot that Robertson has can’t be taught.

HILDEBEAST DOMINATES

With less than two minutes to play, Kirby Dach scored for Montreal after Primeau was pulled in favour of an extra skater.

That was all the Canadiens could get on Hildeby, who otherwise was perfect.

The thinking has been that the Leafs signed Matt Murray for the kind of veteran insurance that Martin Jones provided last season. Murray could still be that guy for Toronto if Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz gets hurt. But Hildeby, clearly, is going to have something to say about that.

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When a team kills off seven minors, your goalie has to be excellent, and Hildeby was. His best save at five-on-five might have been in the second period when he moved across the crease to deny Cole Caufield.

That Hildeby got the full 60 minutes when the Leafs have just two pre-season games remaining had to be a confidence boost. Like Robertson, he has demonstrated to the coaching staff that he can be dependable when required.

Assuming Hildeby goes back to the Toronto Marlies and builds on the good season he had in 2023-24, he could make the re-signing of Murray unnecessary.

AND THEN THERE WAS …

Steven Lorentz continued to take a run at a fourth-line role. He played 5 1/2 minutes on the kill, led the Leafs with six hits, won nine of 15 faceoffs as he was pressed into centre duty and had four shot attempts.

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The Leafs nearly scored during a Matthew Knies minor when Lorentz’s forecheck resulted in a chance by Roni Hirvonen.

Never mind the professional tryout, it’s getting more clear that only an injury will keep the big Lorentz off the left wing on the fourth line once the season starts. He has earned the contract.

Defencemen Marshall Rifai and Philippe Myers both were on the ice for nearly seven minutes while the Leafs were shorthanded. Along with Holmberg, who led Leafs forwards with six minutes 19 seconds of PK time, they deserve credit for their staunch play. Holmberg also won 10 of his 16 faceoffs.

What’s more, Rifai dropped the gloves with Juraj Slafkovsky while Myers fought Josh Anderson, both scraps coming in the second period.

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