TORONTO – Mikhail Grabovski left the Toronto Maple Leafs amid a torrent of curse words. Upon his return to the Air Canada Centre with the Washington Capitals on Saturday morning, Randy Carlyle used one of his own.
“No sh–,” the Leafs coach said with a laugh when it was pointed out that Grabovski aired some grievances after being bought out by the NHL team in July.
The biggest complaint the Belarusian centre had about his time in Toronto was the way Carlyle used him last season. Formerly a second line player under Ron Wilson, Grabovski was basically turned into a checker by Carlyle.
Now that he’s in Washington, where Grabovski signed a one-year contract worth $3-million, he’s essentially being used in a similar fashion. His ice time and power-play time are virtually the same as they were a year ago, although he’s not being tasked with shutting down the opposition’s top line.
However, Grabovski is producing more offensively with seven goals and 19 points in 23 games so far. And his new teammates know how important it is for him to play well against the Leafs on Saturday night.
“He told me it’s a strange feeling to come back to a different locker-room, but he’s excited,” said Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. “It’s nice to see a guy who wants to improve and wants to show how good he is.”
For his part, Carlyle took the high road. Just as when he was criticized by former Leaf Clarke MacArthur last month, the coach refused to turn it into a war of words.
“I’m not here to comment on players’ comments,” said Carlyle. “Players make comments, they have their own agenda. My agenda here, as we stated when it happened, we thanked him for his time here, wished him all the best and we’re moving on.
“Simple as that.”
The biggest concern for the Leafs was getting back on track after a disappointing effort during Thursday’s loss to Nashville. James Reimer was expected to get the start in goal while defenceman Mark Fraser was ready to return after missing two games with a knee injury.
Fraser was likely to replace either Morgan Rielly or Paul Ranger on the blue-line.
The Caps, meanwhile, are coming off two straight losses and will turn to Braden Holtby in goal. The native of Loydminster, Sask., is 2-0-0 with a .970 save percentage in his career against Toronto.
Grabovski, meanwhile, will play his 391st NHL game but just his third ever against the Leafs. The 29-year-old seems to be in a much better place that he was four months ago when the franchise terminated his contract with a compliance buyout.
“Nobody wants to be in his position and his situation, but it’s good for us,” said Ovechkin. “We have him right now, he’s a good fit in our lineup and the most important thing is he’s a great guy in the locker-room.”
ONE-TIMERS
Washington is scratching Martin Erat and replacing him with Eric Fehr, according to coach Adam Oates … Reimer is tied for third among NHL goalies with a .942 save percentage entering the night … Mason Raymond is on a five-game points streak for the Leafs, scoring three goals and three assists … Alex Ovechkin has 19 goals in 21 games for Washington … During his career, the Caps captain has scored 25 times in 30 games against Toronto … Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul has 18 points in 14 career games against the Caps … Toronto has earned 99 points in 88 regular-season games since Randy Carlyle took over as coach … The Leafs are 4-3-0 on Saturday nights this season … … The next meeting between the teams is Jan. 10 in Washington.
QUICK QUOTES
“He’s a powerful skater, a big strong horse of a hockey player that can beat you in different ways with skill and brawn. We try and match up some size against him, some checking ability, and try not to take ourselves out of the hockey game with undisciplined penalties. We know he’s a formidable force.” – Leafs coach Randy Carlyle on Ovechkin.
“Of course when I feel my shots, it’s pretty cool. I know if I’m going to have an opportunity to shoot the puck, it’s amazing when you have that kind of feelings (when) it goes in. You just play without the pressure and all that kind of stuff.” – Ovechkin on his hot streak.
“I thought he was a great guy and I thought he was a pretty good player as well. Obviously, some years you’re not going to play your best and the environment’s your put in. Some players do just need a change of scenery to regain their confidence.” – Leafs centre Nazem Kadri on Grabovski.
