'I Want To Get My Game Good Going Into Playoffs': Nick Robertson Scores Twice In Maple Leafs' Win Over Blue Jackets After Scratch

Robertson's two goals on Saturday night ties his career-high of 14 goals in a season.

Nick Robertson is doing everything he can to be in the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs.

After being scratched for three straight games, the 23-year-old rejoined Toronto's lineup Saturday on a mission, which he's done often throughout the past year. Robertson scored the first two goals for the Maple Leafs in their 5-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

First, Steven Lorentz pressured Elvis Merzlikins, who tried to make a pass to Zach Werenski, which bounced off his skate. Pontus Holmberg picked up the loose puck and found Robertson for his 13th of the season.

NICK ROBERTSON 🚨

RIFLE OFF THE TURNOVER! pic.twitter.com/wQ7CPTChN9

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 5, 2025

Nearly a period later, after Max Domi created a turnover, Robertson used his patented five-hole shot to beat Merzlikins for his second of the night and 14th goal of the season.

"He’s got an elite shot," said Anthony Stolarz, who admitted he's been fooled by Robertson's five-hole shot plenty of times in practice. "He knows where to place it so you give him some open space, he’s going to score more times than not."

Robertson has 14 on the season

hat trick watch is on pic.twitter.com/Q91kPMq1J5

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 6, 2025

Robertson has 14 on the season

hat trick watch is on pic.twitter.com/Q91kPMq1J5

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 6, 2025

What stands out most about Robertson's performance is his ability to return to the lineup and find the back of the net instantly. He's re-joined the Maple Leafs lineup seven times after being a healthy scratch, and he's scored four goals in that span.

Robertson uses the time out of games as a reset:  "It gives you even more of that hunger to get back in and be effective, and try to make the most of any opportunity I’m given.

"And I thought I did that tonight. It’s now my job to recover, prepare, and continue the same mindset next game."

Nick Robertson has re-entered the Maple Leafs lineup seven times after being a healthy scratch.

He's scored four goals in those seven games, including his two tonight.

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) April 6, 2025

Robertson is up to 14 goals and seven assists for 21 points in 63 games this season. On Saturday, he tied his career-high in goals, and he will likely surpass that in the final six games of the regular season.

Even Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube — who decides to scratch the forward — has noticed that Robertson is "a little bit more ...