Locker room happy to get the show on the road
When the Maple Leafs showed up for work on Friday, they did so with suitcases packed for what feels like a whole new experience: a trip to the United States.
They play Saturday in Pittsburgh; Monday in Raleigh, N.C.; and Wednesday in Chicago.
“My first time going back to the U.S. this decade, so it’s been a while,” Leafs captain John Tavares said. “Just even packing a suitcase was a little different.”
The Leafs haven’t ventured beyond Canada’s borders as a team since a March 3-6 trip to the three California teams in 2020. Even their travel last year, in an all-Canadian-team North Division, was with severe restrictions.
“We weren’t even leaving the hotel,” Tavares said. “So we’re back to the tradition of what we’re used to, and seeing different markets, different environments, just getting back into that. So it should be fun and a good time to get with the guys on the road.
“And obviously (we have) some big games against tough opponents.”
The Leafs will still be taking precautions. Frequent testing is mandatory. Masks and physical distancing are encouraged. Taking taxis, or anything other than team-facilitated transportation, is discouraged.
COVID-19 infections are still sidelining players that are fully vaccinated. Two key Winnipeg Jets — captain Blake Wheeler and centre Mark Scheifele — went into COVID protocols this week.
You still have to be aware of the situation and be diligent and be smart,” Tavares said.
The Leafs planned to fly to Pittsburgh after Friday night’s game. Part of the reason for Friday’s 6 p.m. start was to give the Leafs more time to deal with the new issue of proving to be COVID-free as part of crossing the border and clearing customs at the airport in Pittsburgh, rather than the usual way of doing so in Toronto.
There could be something else that’s new for the Leafs. They’re used to sizable pro-Leafs crowds no matter what building they’re in. But the pandemic may prevent Leafs Nation from travelling in the numbers the team is used to.
“It’s understandable,” defenceman Travis Dermott said. “I like to think that noise in the rink is noise in the rink, and it always gets me excited, whether it’s for or against me.”