Craig Berube Reveals Why He Won't Split Up Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube explained why he hasn't split up Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as the team is desperate to find some offense.
Since being hired in the offseason, Craig Berube transformed the Maple Leafs from an offensively savvy team into a more complete team filled with grit, toughness, and a relentless work ethic.
It's led to a lot of success, and a lot of that can be due to Toronto's top line of Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Two of the four have been mainstays for years, and Marner especially had the year of all years; only a season removed from Matthews' historic production.
He's been hesitant to make changes with the two, and only had to do so when Matthews was injured. The captain needs an offensive spark, so perhaps changing things up wouldn't be the worst thing.
But for Craig Berube, he thinks it's not the best idea in the world:
It's not all about scoring for me and for them. I mean, it's about the game, playing 200 feet, doing all the little things that need to be done.
I've gone away from them for a bit. It's fine, but it's not exactly what I want to see, so I put them back together. They've been a great pair for a long time.
I've gone away from them for a bit. It's fine, but it's not exactly what I want to see, so I put them back together. They've been a great pair for a long time.
It isn't too shocking to see Berube stick with both men together, as their chemistry throughout the years has created quite the duo.
Over the past five seasons, the two have combined for a staggering 892 points (381G, 511A) and have also added exceptional defense, especially Matthews who has come into his own this season.
But they only have 120 points in 132 playoff games (38G, 82A) and have barely been able to scratch the surface of their true potential in the postseason.
They've been successful at 5v5 (a sore spot earlier in the year) and are outpacing their opponents but just can't seem to put the puck in the net.
This year, both men have a combined four goals; there are currently a whopping 62 other players who have more goals in the playoffs, and frankly it's inexcusable.
Yes the two have had a ton of success, and so far have been able to contribute in other area besides goal scoring.
So if Berube isn't going to act drastically and split the two up (given he rarely makes changes now) then it's up to Matthews and Marner to prove to everyone that their head coach didn't make a massive misjudgement.
| POLL | ||
MAI 14 | 736 ANSWERS Craig Berube Reveals Why He Won't Split Up Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner Does Craig Berube need to split up Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner? | ||
| Yes | 518 | 70.4 % |
| No | 218 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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