SEND ME IN, COACH
Defenceman Andreas Borgman will have even more time on his hands after the Leafs’ five-day break if their new job-sharing plan sticks.
It wasn’t the greatest piece of news that Andreas Borgman ever heard — that he can expect to be a healthy scratch once every three games — but the rookie defenceman certainly responded well to it. Borgman scored on Wednesday night, his slap shot deflecting off Ottawa’s Matt Duchene.
“It feels good (to score),” said Borgman. “It feels like I have been having a lot of chances. So finally, to get one in — and (Duchene) tipped one in for me there, so it’s kind of mine.
“It feels pretty good to get goal. That’s not the main thing for me. It’s all the other stuff. That’s just a bo- nus,” said Borgman.
It’s also his first goal since a supposed new rotation began.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock said Borgman, Travis Dermott and Connor Carrick would rotate in an out of the lineup. Two in one night, one sits. On Wednesday night, it was Dermott’s turn to sit, while Borgman got back in.
“I try not to think about it that much, just try to be better next game,” said Borgman. “Play my style of game. Try to keep the job.”
Just how long it lasts is anyone’s guess. Babcock even said as much Wednesday.
“The coach has the right to change his mind any time he wants,” said Babcock. “But those guys are basically in a rotation for two spots.”
Muddying matters is the fact Dermott was sent to the Marlies along with centre Frederik Gauthier on Thursday while the Leafs are on break.
That might be simply to ensure playing time for the youngsters, with the added benefit of a few days worth of saved salary that might come in useful at the trade deadline.
Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello said both Dermott and Gauthier will be recalled when the break is over.
The Leafs are very high on Dermott, drafted in the second round in 2015.
“He was drafted a Leaf,” said Babcock. “I think your own drafts, you end with a tattoo on the good organi- zations with them.
“The second thing I’d say to you is he skates really well. He trains with (Connor) Brown and (Zach) Hyman, he was in the gym all summer, so that means he’s going to get better because he’s committed. He’s got good hockey sense and now he’s just got to be ready for the league.”
There’s no question the Leafs defence is a work in progress. Nikita Zaitsev appears to be on track to return to the lineup when the team returns from its five-day break, which could add some stability.
Veteran blueliner Roman Polak is struggling, though Babcock likes the grit and snarl he plays with and likes that he is a right-handed shot. He could be the odd man out when Zaitsev returns.
Ron Hainsey has also had a few ups and downs lately. Morgan Rielly’s illtimed pinch that led to Ottawa’s game-winning goal Wednesday had its roots in bad communication between Rielly and the veteran.
And Carrick has also been in and out of the lineup. He’s a gifted puck mover, but seems to have lost a bit of confidence in himself and the team seems to have lost a bit of faith in him.
Meanwhile Borgman is using his first year in the NHL to lap up knowledge.
“Every day, and every game you just have to be ready and keep learning stuff, and keep doing the right things,” said Borgman. “I listen to the older guys, and take that in.
“It can be anything. I’m just trying to learn everything, and try to play better every game.”
One thing he’s learned: “If you turn the puck over, someone’s going to get you. . . . Obviously, it’s a good league. It’s the best league.”