Craig Berube is finally witnessing the Toronto Maple Leafs play the way he envisioned, even if it’s a bit late in the season.
In their 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers, the Leafs showcased the physical style Berube has been striving for. The head coach praised his team's effort, calling it a collective triumph. Joseph Woll was a standout, making 40 saves on 43 shots, proving to be a key difference-maker.
"The guys worked and competed. Our goalie was really good.
We executed on some plays and scored on a very good goalie. That is the difference in the game," Berube commented.
Berube also highlighted defenseman Jake McCabe's performance, especially after Chris Tanev suffered a season-ending injury. McCabe's leadership and dedication to the defensive role have been invaluable.
"If you go back to last season, what a pair he and Tanev were all year in a shutdown role. It’s the sacrifice they make night in and night out, the simple things in the game, shot blocks, defending, all of that, and taking pride in it.
He's been a hell of a leader for us this year and last year. We’re lucky to have him."
Despite recent improvements, the Leafs’ physical play might have come too late to salvage their playoff hopes. Their struggles post-Olympic stretch in February, including an eight-game losing streak, pushed them out of contention.
Auston Matthews' injury against Anaheim seemed to spark a change, but the response came only in the third period of that game. This newfound energy and grit might have altered their trajectory if it had emerged earlier in the season.
Berube's future with the team may hinge on questions about the Leafs' toughness. His reputation as a former NHL enforcer hasn't fully translated into a consistently gritty team on the ice.
The glimpses of Berube’s system working in recent games highlight potential, yet the season overall reflects missed opportunities. The lack of physicality has been a sore point, casting doubt on GM Brad Treliving's offseason strategy to add grit.
Had the Leafs embraced this style earlier, they might be in the playoff conversation instead of pondering their next steps.