Craig Berube Voices Frustration Over the Maple Leafs' Lack of Power Plays: 'Ask the League'
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube voiced his displeasure on the team's lack of man advantage time and implored those to ask the NHL because he has no idea why they aren't getting any help.
What was a bright spot last season has been pretty underwhelming for the Toronto Maple Leafs as their power play hasn't gotten into the rhythm of things and the loss of Mitch Marner doesn't help.
Although that isn't entirely their fault, as it seems like the league is hesitant to give the Maple Leafs any leeway and don't seem to call anything against the team.
Berube Questions Why the Maple Leafs Aren't Getting More Calls
It's frustrating for both fans and players but no one seems to be more perplexed than head coach Craig Berube.
Speaking to reporters after Friday's practice, Berube had no answer as to why the team gets fewer chances than others, and told the media if they wanted any direction to speak to the NHL directly:
We get one power play a game, maybe two. I mean, that's a little bit of a problem for sure. I don't know. Ask the league.
Berube has a point, as Toronto sits 30th in the NHL in power play time, only five seconds more than the New Jersey Devils, though clear of Columbus who have a paltry 52:08 total PP time.
Toronto's Offensive Pressure Keeps Rising, but the Power Plays Don't Follow
They are also 31st in power play opportunities with 34, 31st in PP% with only an 11.8% success rate, and have yet to have a 5-on-3 opportunity this season.
It's a trend that isn't new to the Maple Leafs, as the team's best rate in the Matthews era is 17th, not even league average at that time.
Why the NHL refuses to give the team the benefit of the doubt is beyond any logical explanation; if there are calls to be made -- make them.
The team has been much better on the forecheck and making sure they keep pressure on, which should lead to more calls but we've seen guys literally shoved head-first into the boards with no call, as play continues and the opposition scores:
If the league starts making more calls in Toronto's favor it's going to make them much more dangerous, which is maybe why they are hesitant to give the team any more help.
For what it's worth though, it seems like they may not need the extra help after all.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 8 | 769 ANSWERS Craig Berube Voices Frustration Over the Maple Leafs' Lack of Power Plays: 'Ask the League' Do you think Toronto is getting jerked around by the NHL when it comes to power plays? | ||
| Yes | 568 | 73.9 % |
| No | 201 | 26.1 % |
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