Craig Berube Sends Strong Message About What It Will Take for Leafs to Win
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was a guest on the Simmerpuck Podcast with Rob Simpson and revealed what he believes is the team's key to success.
There was a lot to be excited for last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. From winning the Atlantic Division, to pushing the Stanley Cup Champions to seven games, and Berube changing them into a much tougher and more aggressive team.
However there was still some disappointment after losing to Florida, and with Mitch Marner out of the equation, and a brand new crop of players to the fray; change is still going to be a big factor this season.
Though for Berube, he doesn't really concern himself with that type of stuff, and is focused on the bigger picture, and his recent comments show that he has one goal for Toronto in mind.
What Berube Said About the Sacrifice It Takes to Win
Speaking as a guest on the Simmerpuck Podcast with Rob Simpson, Berube was asked about what Toronto needs to do to get over the hump, and what makes teams like Florida so difficult to play against:
It's toughness right? That's what I try to preach, and it's not just fighting, it has nothing to do with fighting.
if you wanna win in this league you've gotta pay a price. I remember Gretzky saying as he walked by the Islanders locker room after they won their fourth straight Cup; he walked by and there was no partying. He didn't hear these guys hooting and hollering.
These guys were relieved that the pain they endured to beat the Oilers, and you know ice bags, and you know; if you don't work hard, if you don't put it on the line, you'll never win.
Like I said, you gotta have that toughness both mentally and physically.
if you wanna win in this league you've gotta pay a price. I remember Gretzky saying as he walked by the Islanders locker room after they won their fourth straight Cup; he walked by and there was no partying. He didn't hear these guys hooting and hollering.
These guys were relieved that the pain they endured to beat the Oilers, and you know ice bags, and you know; if you don't work hard, if you don't put it on the line, you'll never win.
Like I said, you gotta have that toughness both mentally and physically.
The Leafs Must Overcome Mental Blocks to Reach the Next Level
So how can Toronto get over the hump? Well, according to Berube it can start by emulating how the Panthers end up conducting themselves:
We were right there against Florida but we didn't push hard enough. You know we had them, we thought we had them early on, they slowly made their way back.
I wouldn't even call it a letdown, it's just all mental. It's not an easy place in Toronto. But Florida is concerned with one thing and one thing only; winning. They have that mentality, and you look at a guy like Barkov. He's a leader, he leads by example and their goal overall is to make teams uncomfortable.
I wouldn't even call it a letdown, it's just all mental. It's not an easy place in Toronto. But Florida is concerned with one thing and one thing only; winning. They have that mentality, and you look at a guy like Barkov. He's a leader, he leads by example and their goal overall is to make teams uncomfortable.
It seems Berube wants to do the same thing Paul Maurice has done, and create a nasty, gritty, and no-nonsense team that has a mix of skill and toughness.
It's slowly looking like his roster from 2018-19 when he won the Cup; you had Brayden Schenn and Ryan O'Reilly but also had guys like Pat Maroon and Robert Bortuzzo to add that intimidation factor.
We now have that with Auston Matthews and crew, plus the additions of guys like Michael Pezzetta and Dakota Joshua (a former Berube product). We're getting a group who is one for all and all for one; regardless of the cost.
That's what it takes to win according to Berube, and if he can get the best out of them then it might very well lead to history repeating itself for the head coach.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 2 | 1375 ANSWERS Craig Berube Sends Strong Message About What It Will Take for Leafs to Win Do you agree with Craig Berube that Toronto needs to be mentally tougher? | ||
| Yes | 1329 | 96.7 % |
| No | 46 | 3.3 % |
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