Craig Berube explains why the Maple Leafs keep struggling late in games
Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs - X
Craig Berube has criticized the Toronto Maple Leafs after another difficult game, but the focus has shifted to how the team plans to address these issues.
Berube discussed the state of his team in a 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in which they gave up two goals late in the third period to give Carolina a comeback win.
Much of what has been problems for Toronto this season appeared visible last night, a poor second period, letting the opponent get back into it, and a lack of urgency from the Leafs.
Once again, Toronto's areas of concern were exposed, and Craig Berube was seen on the bench reacting after a penalty, and spoke on what he was feeling in that moment post-game.
With the Leafs struggling, the challenges coming from the roster may lead to a greater consideration about how the team will go about adjusting.
What Berube said about the Leafs' defensive issues
Craig Berube spoke post-game on the Toronto Maple Leafs defensive play, disappointed with his team's performance, especially with the lack of physicality.
Berube praised the offense's ability to score goals, 3rd in goals scored with 59, but have been one of the worst teams for goals allowed, second last in the NHL with 60, running into unnecessary scoring battles.
Berube noted two specific issues with the Leafs defensively, constant turnovers of the puck, and an inability to apply pressure through checking.
Craig Berube is seeing a lack of defensive effort. Their top defensive defenseman in Chris Tanev is out, but no one has stepped up in his place to add a physical layer, and the forwards aren't playing aggressive either.
The head coach is starting to get frustrated at his team not doing enough, and while there is agreement, some are asking what Berube as coach is doing to fix it.
How Toronto's defensive system has become a sudden weakness
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't disputing that the defense isn't what it should be, but some of the blame is being pointed back at Berube himself.
What is to be noted is the defensive structure Toronto is playing with is partially the result of what Berube wanted Toronto to play like, and are struggling to succeed in.
One comment referenced Berube's previous criticisms of William Nylander, who early this season has been their best player, as part of questions over the team's fit and where the problem really lies for the Leafs.
It's not just the team Craig Berube wants on the ice, bigger and meaner, It's also the team that GM Brad Treliving wants, and he won't be happy seeing the roster he built unable to do what he's paying them for, their physical new look is more of the same.
With an 8-7-1 record, the Leafs, who are used to picking things up after slow starts in November, aren't positioning themselves to do so, and aren't keeping pucks away from their own end as they had hoped.
Some have also wondered if the team can play to Berube's style, but ultimately the Leafs will have to play through it, but what is understood is that eventually they'll face performance questions from the front office.
If the Leafs continue to struggle, the front office may prompt a review, and make changes to come if things in Toronto don't improve.
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