Maple Leafs’ McCabe, Robertson preview tough test vs. ‘tough, fast’ Hurricanes

“They’ve done a good job there over the last few years of establishing an identity hard, fast and directly,” McCabe said. “They play with pace, they shoot the puck a lot and go to the net. They put stress on our net, so we have to do a good job for our goaltender tonight.”

“They are a very fast and hard team,” Robertson added. “Here we have to be smart, keep it simple and hopefully get the win tonight.”

“He’s honestly one of the best locker room players I’ve played with. I think that’s kind of known,” McCabe said. “His presence, his ability to connect with the entire room, old, young, whatever it is. Brings out the laughs, keeps it light, but has a great upside and also plays a hard game. So not only in the room, but on the ice, he is a leader for us. He will certainly be missed.”

Sunday’s matchup will be extra special as the inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2025 will be in attendance prior to their induction ceremony on Monday. McCabe and Robertson talked about what it means to play in the Hockey Hall of Fame Game, with each naming a member of this year’s Class.

“It’s pretty cool what we’re doing here,” McCabe said. “It’s my third one I’ve been a part of tonight. I recognize the names here, you know, Brianna Decker, fellow Wisconsin Badger. So a very special night for them and I always enjoy being a part of it.”

“It’s great, obviously I played with Jumbo (Joe Thornton) with him so I’m excited to see him there,” Robertson said.