In the bustling hockey world of the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings recently took to the ice for optional skates at the iconic Scotiabank Arena. The buzz around the rink was palpable as players honed their skills and prepared for the battles to come.
One player who stood out during this time was Max Domi, who found himself in a new role due to John Tavares’ absence. Moving to the centre position for Toronto’s upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Domi showcased his talents with a stellar two-assist performance that caught the attention of his coach.
“He moves a lot better in the middle,” noted Craig Berube, the observant coach of the Maple Leafs. “He’s a very good playmaker, so when he gets open ice and gets some speed going, he can really skate. He’s dangerous. He can make plays.”
Despite Tavares’ impending return, Domi will continue to skate as a centre, a position he seems comfortable with. “I don’t mind whether it’s left wing, centre, right,” Domi casually downplayed. “Equally comfortable with all three of them.”
Domi’s versatility was further highlighted when Auston Matthews suffered an injury during the playoffs, prompting Domi to seamlessly slide over to centre for two crucial games against the Boston Bruins, both resulting in victories for the Maple Leafs.
As the previous season came to a close, Domi finished strong with a team-high 13 assists in the final 20 regular-season games. This season, Domi leads the Leafs in scoring with three points, all assists, though he has only managed to land one shot on net.
“He should shoot more,” Berube emphasized. “He had a couple opportunities, and he passed up on some shots. We’re trying to get him to shoot a little bit more.”
For Domi, a player known for his passing prowess, the idea of shooting more may seem foreign. However, Berube suggested a simple solution – “over shooting” during drills in practice. The coach’s guidance may just be the key to unlocking Domi’s true potential on the ice, a potential that could elevate the Maple Leafs to even greater heights in the upcoming games.
The excitement is brewing in Toronto as the team gears up for the clash against the Los Angeles Kings, with Domi at the center of attention and ready to make his mark. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments in this exciting hockey season.