Berube “Getting Tired” of Maple Leafs Top-Line Experiments
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is expressing growing frustration with the ongoing search for the ideal winger to complement Auston Matthews on the team's top line. After an unsteady start to the season, Berube's patience appears to be wearing thin as he seeks to find a consistent offensive spark.
Following Tuesday's 5-2 defeat against the New Jersey Devils, Berube voiced his concerns. "It could take some time, but I'm getting tired of it, to be honest with you," he stated, hinting at his dissatisfaction with the current state of the top line. It remains unclear whether his frustration is directed at Matthews, his linemates, or simply the lack of readily available options to create automatic chemistry with the team's star scorer. The absence of a player like Mitch Marner, who spent several productive years playing alongside Matthews under former coach Sheldon Keefe, is palpable.
In the game against the Devils, Max Domi was given the opportunity to play alongside Matthews and Matthew Knies. Domi had previously demonstrated some success playing with Matthews last season, raising hopes that rekindling that chemistry could revitalize the top unit. However, the team struggled to generate meaningful offensive plays, leaving Berube visibly frustrated. "I don't feel like they have any sustained pressure in the offensive zone at all. It's one-and-done or out," he lamented.
The Maple Leafs' recent performance has been underwhelming, with a 3-3-1 record following the loss to the Devils. They have suffered two defeats against the Detroit Red Wings and, in several games, have appeared disjointed. Rumors of internal strife have also surfaced, with goaltender Anthony Stolarz reportedly calling out the team for a lack of intensity.
Berube has been actively experimenting with the forward lines in an attempt to find the right combinations. In a recent practice, the lines were shuffled, with Knies and Matthews remaining together, while Domi joined them on the top line. Other line combinations included Maccelli, Tavares, and Nylander, as well as Joshua, Roy, and McMann. Rookie Easton Cowan, who had previously been given a chance on the top line, was moved to a lower line and was a healthy scratch for the game against the Devils.
Berube's lineup decisions have already sparked debate among Maple Leafs fans. The coach emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander. He expressed his belief that Bobby McMann could step up his game and complement Tavares and Nylander effectively. Berube highlighted McMann's size and forechecking abilities as valuable assets for that line.
The Maple Leafs' struggles in the second period have been a recurring issue this season. The team has been outscored in the second period in several games, contributing to their losses. Berube has stressed the need for the team to manage the game better and avoid putting themselves in a hole in the second period.
Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies. Berube emphasized the importance of playing direct and straightforward hockey to maximize the team's speed and effectiveness. The team will face the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, offering an opportunity to turn things around.
