"Wasn’t a Lot There": Berube Blunt While Scratching Maple Leafs Forward

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made a strong statement Friday night by scratching forward Max Domi, a healthy scratch for the first time this season. The move came before the Leafs' game against the Washington Capitals, a game they subsequently lost 4-2 after relinquishing a two-goal lead.

Domi, in the second year of a four-year, $15 million contract, has struggled to find consistency this season. In 23 games, the 28-year-old has recorded just six points and holds a team-worst minus-13 rating. Berube addressed the decision, stating, "I have to look at the lineup and what is best for tonight; that's part of it, " and that he spoke with Domi about "getting a reset". He did not commit to Domi's return for the following game.

Berube's decision highlights the coaching staff's desire for more consistent play from Domi, whose inconsistency and defensive lapses have drawn criticism. Prior to being scratched, Domi had gone pointless in his last six games and recorded only two points in his last 11.

This isn't the first time Berube has used healthy scratches to try and motivate his players. Recently, he also sat Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua. Joshua, after being scratched for a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, showed improvement in the subsequent game against the Capitals.

Following the Maple Leafs' 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Berube expressed satisfaction with the performances of both Joshua and Domi, who had been reinserted into the lineup. Berube noted that Domi "was a lot better...He made some nice plays, but he was engaged in the game...Defensively, he was working back to our zone and breaking plays up". He also stated Joshua had a better game in Washington and "scores his goals in tight".

The move to scratch Domi sparked debate, with some analysts questioning whether a healthy scratch should be necessary to elicit better play from a player earning over $3 million per season. Sportsnet's Sam McKee said of Joshua's improved play, "It shouldn't take you going to the press box to look like this".

The Maple Leafs, who were thought to have a deeper lineup this year, have struggled with consistency. Berube has been actively seeking solutions, including rotating line combinations and demanding adherence to the team's structure. He has also been trying various motivational tactics.