The Maple Leafs' latest decision on Easton Cowan puts his development in the spotlight

Easton Cowan is being held for the third consecutive game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a healthy scratch for the team's game tonight against the Ottawa Senators.

In what was supposed to be a temporary plan to get Cowan some rest and take in the game from the press box has become now a lengthy absence for Cowan from the Leafs lineup.

Berube pointed to Tuesday's 6-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins as the reason for Cowan's absence, noting that he wants to keep a winning lineup going, although not putting the win on Cowan not playing.

Berube didn't state when Cowan would return to the lineup, although he plans to have him back in the roster at some point, not wanting to have him on the sidelines too long.

The decision to scratch Easton Cowan has drawn some questions from Leafs fans, despite Berube's view that it's best not to touch a winning lineup.

Some fans and analysts noted the fact that just because a certain lineup wins a game, doesn't demand the need to adhere to sticking with that lineup on a consistent basis.

One note that has been a sentiment from Leafs fans criticizing the move is that Cowan arguably makes the team better being in the lineup rather than not, that good players can't be out of the lineup just because they won a game without them.

Some criticism has also come from Max Domi's rise to the top line, having two points against Pittsburgh but has faced inconsistency this season that at times dropped him out of the lineup.

Craig Berube indicated that Cowan's return to the Leafs lineup would be soon, which even if the Leafs continue winning without him would see him get game time.

While Easton Cowan waits for a chance to return to the Leafs lineup, Craig Berube maintains his focus is on playing the team that is winning, but stresses he isn't leaving Cowan behind.