Craig Berube Shares Honest Thoughts After Easton Cowan's First NHL Game
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
While it didn't result in a victory, Easton Cowan had a very strong NHL debut, and head coach Craig Berube was sure to give him his flowers in the post-game presser.
Toronto fell 3-2 to the Detroit Red Wings after a heartbreaking last minute goal from Mason Appleton and though they were able to essentially control the pace from start to finish, they couldn't solve Cam Talbot until late; only for one costly icing to ruin it.
However, Easton Cowan's debut was probably one of the biggest positives coming out of the game, and while he didn't score, he did provide some fantastic hockey IQ and awareness, finding Auston Matthews several times for some prime scoring chances.
Doing himself many favors by putting in a strong effort at both ends of the ice, he was commended by the captain himself, but no one was more impressed than head coach Craig Berube.
How Easton Cowan Proved He Belongs in His First NHL Appearance
Speaking to reporters during the post-game press conference, 'Chief' gave Cowan his flowers and had nothing but great things to say about his performance on Monday:
I thought he had a great game. He made a lot of good plays with the puck. He made a good one at 6-on-5, too. That is why he was out there.
Five-foot plays all over the ice. He made a lot of them. He was very good on the forecheck. He has a great hockey IQ.
Totally different player. Way more confident and direct. He's skating way better.
Five-foot plays all over the ice. He made a lot of them. He was very good on the forecheck. He has a great hockey IQ.
Totally different player. Way more confident and direct. He's skating way better.
That confidence should give Cowan another shot at the top line, a move that at first may have given some pause, however after his relentless effort yesterday; he deserves a shot again.
It's arguably the best Matthews has looked all year too, with someone able to dish him the puck, and while all the talk about Mitch Marner leaving is going to haunt the captain if he doesn't start scoring.
If Cowan can help him break out then it's a massive boost.
For what it's worth, Matthews also gave Cowan a ton of praise and seemed excited at the prospect of playing with him again in the future:
I thought he was great. I think he just carries himself with such a good confidence in himself and in the way that he can play and compete.
I thought he played really well tonight, easy guy to play with. He made smart plays with the puck, and when plays were to be made, he made 'em.
When the simple play was there to just get the puck deeper, or whatnot, I thought he made it. Thought he was really good tonight.
I thought he played really well tonight, easy guy to play with. He made smart plays with the puck, and when plays were to be made, he made 'em.
When the simple play was there to just get the puck deeper, or whatnot, I thought he made it. Thought he was really good tonight.
It seems like everything is coming up Cowan over the last 24 hours, and with a must-win game against Nashville on Tuesday night, if he can get on the scoreboard, it'll give him even more confidence.
Not only that, but the Toronto Maple Leafs fans are going to go absolutely ballistic, finally giving them something to cheer for; they haven't had much of that since the season started.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 14|935 ANSWERS Craig Berube Shares Honest Thoughts After Easton Cowan's First NHL Game Do you think Easton Cowan should stay on the Maple Leafs top line all season? | ||
| Yes | 658 | 70.4 % |
| No | 277 | 29.6 % |
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