After Tuesday’s practice, head coach Craig Berube shared insights on the team's transition back to NHL action following the Olympics. He addressed the status of key players like Dakota Joshua, John Tavares, and Chris Tanev, and discussed plans for Easton Cowan as they come out of the break.
William Nylander's Return
Berube was optimistic about William Nylander’s readiness post-Olympics. "Normal Willy," he said, emphasizing that Nylander seemed refreshed and mentally prepared after the Olympic grind. It’s clear that Nylander’s focus and energy will be crucial as the team gears up for the rest of the season.
Auston Matthews' White House Visit
When asked about Auston Matthews' visit to the White House to meet the President after winning gold, Berube highlighted the honor and excitement of such an experience. However, he doesn’t expect this achievement to alter Matthews’ leadership style. "He’ll just keep doing what he does," Berube noted, underscoring Matthews’ consistent approach to the game.
Looking Ahead to Tampa
Berube confirmed Matthews is expected to play in Tampa, though he acknowledged the potential for post-Olympic fatigue. "He is riding a pretty good high right now," Berube said, but they’ll evaluate his condition closer to game time.
Team Cohesion Post-Olympics
With some players coming off the Olympic experience, Berube focused on getting everyone back on the same page. Despite the disappointment of not winning, he stressed the importance of moving forward and understanding the team’s goals.
Managing Ice Time
With back-to-back games on the horizon, Berube emphasized the need to roll lines and involve everyone. "We need everybody to be successful," he stated, highlighting the collective effort required for the upcoming challenges.
Player Updates
- John Tavares: Currently battling the flu, Tavares is expected to be fine after a quick skate the next day.
- Dakota Joshua: Ready to play, but Berube plans to manage his minutes carefully due to the immediate back-to-back schedule.
- Easton Cowan: Acknowledged as an important part of the team, though his starting status in Tampa remains undecided.
- Chris Tanev: Still working towards rejoining team practice, with no clear timeline yet.
Goalie Considerations
Berube is contemplating the goalie split for the back-to-back games, with both Anthony Stolarz and the other netminder expected to play. He’s weighing past performances and current form to make the best decision for the team.
Practice Lines for Feb. 24
- Forwards: McMann-Domi-Cowan, Maccelli-Jarnkrok-Nylander, Knies-Roy-Robertson, Lorentz-Laughton-Joshua
- Defense: Rielly-Carlo, McCabe-OEL, Benoit-Stecher, Myers
- Goalies: Woll, Stolarz
Absent from practice were Matthews and Tavares, the latter due to illness. As the team regroups, they’ll need to rely on depth and resilience to navigate the busy schedule ahead.