Craig Berube makes his feelings very clear on the Bobby McMann suspension

Monday's game between Toronto and Tampa Bay was a testy affair as both teams were intense, physical, and you could tell there was no love lost between the Atlantic Division rivals.

But in the chaos, Toronto had Dakota Mermis injured after Gage Goncalves decided to run him with a knee-on-knee hit, and he'll be out at least a month.

Though Toronto also lost another player, albeit only for a game.

Bobby McMann was suspended for his high-stick on Oliver Bjorkstrand during a post-whistle scrum, and was subsequently suspended one game for his actions, meaning he is going to be out against the Sharks on Thursday night.

It was a situation that was a bit perplexing at first, however upon futher reflection, no matter your thoughts on the situation, McMann can't be swinging his stick carelessly, although his punishment certainly feels a bit overblown given previous incidents similar to McMann's.

It's something that is frustrating Craig Berube, as not only does he need to make a crucial lineup change, but thinks that it's a bit ridiculous McMann was punished given the entire situation.

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's practice, Berube explained that he still doesn't agree with the call, and is a bit stunned that Goncalves has had no punishment despite injuring Mermis:

Berube stopped short of completely chastising the officiating and decision of the NHL Player Safety Department, but you can tell that he was none too pleased that he's down a man, especially given how depleted the team is already.

Considering they are going to be out McMann, as well as still dealing with injuries to Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll and now Mermis; it's going to take a cohesive unit to take down San Jose.

The Sharks are young and a bit inexperienced but they are hungry. Led by Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith, the Sharks are surprising a lot of people around the league meanwhile veterans like Tyler Toffoli, Dmitry Orlov, and even John Klingberg are putting in solid seasons.

The key will be to isolate Celebrini and try not to let him get too much open space, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Toronto throw some bigger bodies towards him like Matthew Knies or John Tavares.

The Maple Leafs also need to keep throwing as many shots on net as possible, with both Alex Nedeljkovic and Yaroslav Askarov giving up their fair share of goals.

If the team can cause a lot of havoc in front of the Sharks goaltending, continue to win their puck battles and keep their defense tight, it'll be a game where they can definitely come out on top.

But they'll have to do so without one of their better offensive weapons in recent weeks, even if Craig Berube and the majority of Leafs Nation believe he shouldn't be.