As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to face off against the Buffalo Sabres, head coach Craig Berube addressed the media ahead of Tuesday’s matchup, touching on everything from lineup decisions to a little hockey history-and yes, even a few old-school names that still carry weight in the Leafs’ dressing room.
Honoring a Historic Night
With the 50th anniversary of Darryl Sittler’s legendary 10-point game approaching, the Leafs brought in Sittler and fellow franchise icon Tiger Williams to speak with the team. For Berube, it wasn’t just a trip down memory lane-it was a moment to connect the past with the present.
“What a great night he had, Sittler,” Berube said. “And I think it’s great that the organization celebrates that. It’s a historic night, and it still hasn’t been broken.”
There’s something powerful about moments like this, especially for a group trying to carve out their own chapter in Leafs history. According to Berube, the presence of Sittler and Williams gave the team a bit of a jolt.
“There’s a little bit of juice this morning with having Darryl and Tiger coming in and speaking to the team,” Berube said. “That’s always good.”
The message wasn’t just about nostalgia-it was about identity. Pride.
Standards. What it means to wear the Maple Leaf.
“I just think the pride of the Leafs, what is expected, and the standard here,” Berube added. “It’s not that they’re not trying to hold that up, but hearing it from guys who lived it? That hits differently.”
Then vs. Now: A Changing Game
Naturally, when you bring in legends from a different era, comparisons come up. Hockey has changed-dramatically. Berube, who played in a more rugged, physical era himself, acknowledged how far the game has come.
“When you watch hockey today and watch it back then… there’s no time out there now,” he said. “Everybody can skate and get on top of you.
Every team has a great structure. And the goaltenders are elite compared to back then.”
That’s not a knock on the past-it’s a nod to the evolution of the sport. Berube made it clear: the game is in a great place.
“It’s fast. There is constant pressure and compete. You have to make quick decisions-and the skill level of the players in today’s game is tremendous.”
No Fights with Tiger-And That’s Just Fine
Asked if he ever dropped the gloves with the infamous Tiger Williams, Berube laughed.
“No, I never did. He was kind of before me,” he said. “I got maybe a little bit of playing time against him later in his career, but no, I never had the opportunity… which I’m okay with.”
Fair enough. Not everyone needs to test their mettle against one of the most penalized players in NHL history.
Eyes on Buffalo
Tuesday’s game against the Sabres carries weight-not just because of the opponent, but because of the timing. The Leafs are heading out on the road, and banking points now could go a long way in building momentum.
“It’s a huge game. We all know that,” Berube said.
“It’s no different than the Colorado game. Heading out on the road tonight, it would be nice to get the two points and head out with some confidence.”
Divisional matchups always have a little extra juice, and Berube knows it.
“They’re always big games against Buffalo and whoever we’re playing in the division. We have to be ready to go.”
Cleaning Things Up
As for areas of improvement, Berube didn’t mince words. He wasn’t happy with the team’s start against Vegas, where he felt the Leafs were chasing the game from the drop of the puck.
“They dictated how the game would be played,” he said. “I didn’t feel that against Colorado. I thought we made two mistakes with the puck, and it cost us on odd-man rushes.”
That’s the key focus heading into tonight: limit the rush chances. Buffalo’s got speed and skill, especially on the back end, and they can burn you if you’re careless.
“We can’t be giving up too many odd-man rushes. That’s just too easy,” Berube said.
What’s Changed with Buffalo?
Toronto’s already seen the Sabres once this season, but Berube sees a different team now-one that’s playing with more structure and, most importantly, getting consistent goaltending.
“They’re getting really good goaltending. That is a big key for them, in my opinion,” he said.
“And they have the ability to score goals. They have a lot of talent.
But they’re playing a really good team game.”
Joseph Woll Gets the Nod
Between the pipes tonight, it’ll be Joseph Woll getting the start for the Leafs-a decision Berube confirmed after the morning skate. Calle Järnkrok draws back into the lineup, while Jacob Quillan will sit this one out.
It’s a big night for Woll, a big night for the team, and a chance to honor the past while staying focused on the present. The Leafs know what’s at stake. Now it’s about execution.