Craig Berube didn't like what he saw against Marner and the Golden Knights, and his message was clear
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Craig Berube was irate after Toronto's 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights and he had a very direct message for his roster regarding their lack of effort.
It was anything but a night to remember for the Maple Leafs on Friday night as they were taking on Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights in Marner's return game -- being one of the most anticipated games in recent memory.
Coming away with a 6-3 loss and looking very much the second-rate team compared to Vegas, things are getting dire once again. Scott Laughton has called them out for a lack of effort, and it seems like the buck doesn't stop there.
Craig Berube calls out Maple Leafs for lack of urgency and effort
Sporting a vicious-looking gash and a black eye, Craig Berube was not only fighting with gym equipment, but also fighting to keep his team rallied together, and post-game had to lay it all out.
Speaking to reporters, Berube chastised the team for their lack of effort and they haven't played up to the standard that they're expected to:
We have to have more. The standard has to be better and higher. We're at home. We're not playing consistently enough with the urgency that is needed.
The lack of urgency was felt all night, as Vegas pretty much controlled the pace and once they got going, they didn't stop.
It was one dump and retreat for Toronto all night and if it weren't for the three goals from John Tavares, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann it would look a lot worse than it already was.
Toronto has no more time to wait -- they need to kick it up starting now
Laughton and Berube echoed the same sentiment in their post-game comments and it's hard to understand exactly why the team went from being able to beat Colorado to a complete free-fall; sure they have injuries but are getting healthy too so what's the excuse?
If the team comes out again with a sluggish effort against Colorado on Sunday and then lose to Buffalo on Tuesday, it's time to do some serious work. Whether that means a a few trades, figuring out new faces from the Marlies, or just even clearing house.
There isn't much time for Toronto to turn it around, and it's going to take more than an Olympic break to give them confidence heading into the toughest part of the season.
Craig Berube's message better ring loud and clear for everyone in the room, or they'll have more than just missing the playoffs to worry about.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 24|895 ANSWERS Craig Berube didn't like what he saw against Marner and the Golden Knights, and his message was clear Do you think the Maple Leafs need to start blowing things up roster-wise? | ||
| Yes | 743 | 83 % |
| No | 152 | 17 % |
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