Craig Berube's System Could Make or Break the Maple Leafs This Season
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube's style of play could lead to a lot of success for the team, but if they end up faltering it could backfire spectacularly.
Last season was the first season with Craig Berube as head coach of the Maple Leafs after years of failure under Sheldon Keefe. Changing the identity of the team slowly but surely, Berube has transformed the team into a more defensive and gritty team.
There were still some kinks to work out and the team did their best to bring in the right pieces who fit with his system like Dakota Joshua, Nic Roy, and Michael Pezzetta.
Why Berube's Heavy Style Could Backfire in Toronto
He's going to be under the microscope this season especially without Mitch Marner, and there is a lot of pressure on him for a repeat Atlantic Division title but that's a lot easier said than done.
But the team still has a very offensive minded group and while Auston Matthews and company are solid to great defensive options, the relentless back and forth and mandatory forechecking can wear them down quickly.
We saw many times last year that players needed to take maintenance days in order to rest up, and perhaps his ruthless style of play is taking its toll at times.
It depends a lot on Matthew Knies to follow the puck if they do a more dump and chase method, and the fact that the team still lacks a big hulking power forward on the second line (Bobby McMann might be the only option).
That could cause issues if they are expecting a 35-year old Tavares to forecheck, or rely solely on Nylander who is better used as a transitional piece with his breakneck speed and breakaway potential.
How Berube Can Unlock the Best From Matthews and Nylander
But there is a chance that Berube's new style has the potential to unlock a skillset unknown to the Keefe era. He doesn't take complacency and lack of hustle in any regard, and he'll continue to push his stars to be more overall complete players.
That can only benefit the team in the long run, and with Matthew Knies trusting his coach to lead them into the future; patience is key. A second season knowing how Berube runs things will make things a bit easier to work with, and the newcomers are going to have to learn fast.
He needs to ensure he protects his stars however, and we could see guys like Dakota Joshua playing second or third line minutes if only to give the team more space and protect their offensive powerhouses.
Training camp is going to have a lot of influence on the team as he needs to ensure he puts the best lineup possible out there starting game one.
The One Adjustment That Could Decide Toronto's Season
But if he is able to put out that lineup is a balanced way, where each line has some physicality and protection, some offensive firepower, smart two-way play, and the grittiness to not give up in any play; then things will work out great.
However that's a lot to ask especially for a team who lost a vital part of their identity, and are welcoming some new faces in who might take a bit to get acclimated to the system.
There's also more expectations on Morgan Rielly to perform and be that power play quarterback Toronto needs, as they can't really afford to bring in a new one without paying out the nose.
The adjustment Craig Berube needs to make is to trust his team. A lot of last year was spent tinkering with things; but he needs to be firm in his lineup creation.
Guys have roles, and they need to play them. Stick with it, and good things will surely come.
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