Darcy Tucker Off To Blazing Start With Leafs
Posted October 13, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
From the day he pulled an historic Leafs jersey over his surprisingly slight frame, Darcy Tucker has been getting noticed — it just wasn’t always for the right reasons. A younger version of the right-winger proved to a truculent, at times undisciplined player whose persistent parades to the penalty box often came at the expense of the team.
That was the old Tucker. The new one is on pace to score 65 goals this season, and has developed into a true leader, maintaining his gritty edge and improving his offensive skills and skating to adapt to the new N.H.L.
But Tucker, who boasts a team-best four goals in Toronto’s first five games, doesn’t expect his hot streak to last forever, and knows that he remains a character player who must work hard to get positive results.
When asked what he thinks of his blazing start, he was quick to respond, “Not much.
“Pucks went in a few times. That’s about it.
“You want to produce and help the team win,” he adds. “If the team is winning, the other stuff doesn’t mean as much.”
Coach Paul Maurice is happy to have him on his side. He recalls facing him during his stint behind the bench with Carolina. Not surprisingly, Darcy made quite the impression.
“All you’ve got to do is change one letter and that’s how you thought about him,” Maurice said.
“On the opposing bench you don’t care for him because he’s hard to play against.
“When you’re here, you appreciate him.
“He’s going to come out and go as hard as he can.”
