After a much-needed 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers, Craig Berube had plenty to like about the way his Maple Leafs performed - and for good reason. The victory moves Toronto to 12-11-3 on the season, and while that record still leaves room for improvement, this one felt like a step in the right direction.
A Full-Team Effort, Front to Back
Berube didn’t mince words postgame: “Everybody contributed tonight.” And it showed.
From the crease out, the Leafs played with structure, physicality, and purpose. The checking game was tight, the energy was high, and the goaltending?
Solid when it needed to be. This wasn’t a one-line carry job or a goalie standing on his head.
It was the kind of complete, team-driven performance that coaches love to build on.
Pace Picks Up - Finally
If there’s been one knock on the Leafs this season, it’s been inconsistency in pace and energy. But Berube pointed out that this game might’ve been the fastest they’ve played all year - and it wasn’t hard to see why.
They closed gaps quickly, skated with intent, and attacked with purpose. The forecheck was alive and well, and the Leafs didn’t just chase the game - they dictated it.
That’s a key difference, especially against a Panthers team that thrives in chaos.
The Joshua-Roy-McMann Line Sets the Tone
Every good team needs a line that brings edge and energy, and right now, that’s exactly what the trio of Dakota Joshua, Brandon Roy, and Bobby McMann is delivering. Berube had high praise for their play along the walls and their ability to win puck battles - especially in the defensive zone. But what really stands out is how they transition that grind into offensive-zone pressure.
“They’re heavy,” Berube said. And he’s right.
Whether it’s on the forecheck or cycling down low, this line is making life miserable for opponents. They’re getting to the net, hanging onto pucks, and setting a physical tone early in games.
That’s not just valuable - it’s essential, especially on the road where matchups matter and momentum can swing fast.
Troy Stecher Making His Presence Felt
Claimed off waivers not long ago, Troy Stecher is quickly becoming a key piece on the blue line. Paired with Jake McCabe, the two have found chemistry in a hurry. Berube highlighted Stecher’s pace, poise, and ability to close on opponents - all of which were on display against Florida.
“He’s playing with a ton of confidence right now,” Berube said. That confidence is translating into clean exits, smart pinches, and a noticeable uptick in puck movement from the back end. And don’t overlook his offensive-zone awareness - Stecher’s footwork at the blue line is creating shooting lanes and keeping plays alive.
It’s still early in his Leafs tenure, but Stecher’s impact is already being felt - not just on the ice, but in the energy he brings to the room. According to Berube, he’s team-first, focused, and driven. That’s the kind of addition that can quietly change the makeup of a defensive corps.
Power Play Patience Wearing Thin
As for the power play, the patience is starting to run out - and Berube didn’t hide it. The experiment with a five-forward unit didn’t last long.
“I became impatient quickly,” he admitted. In a tight game, he wasn’t willing to take the risk, and opted to switch things up on the next opportunity.
Right now, the man advantage isn’t clicking. It’s not just about the lack of goals - it’s about the lack of momentum it’s generating.
Berube emphasized that he’s less concerned with percentages and more focused on how the power play impacts the game flow. Still, the bottom line remains: they need to start producing.
Until then, it’s about grinding through the struggles, finding the right combinations, and hoping chemistry starts to build. It’s a work in progress - but one the Leafs can’t afford to ignore for much longer.
Laughton Finally on the Board
Scott Laughton got the monkey off his back with his first point and goal of the season, and it came on a shift that exemplified what Berube wants from his group: a hard forecheck, a quick play to the net, and bodies in front. Laughton finished it off, and the bench was clearly fired up for him.
Moments like that matter. When the full lineup is engaged - from the top six to the bottom pair - it creates a ripple effect. And on this night, Berube saw exactly that.
The Takeaway
This wasn’t just a win - it was a blueprint. A fast, physical, team-first game that showed what the Maple Leafs can be when they’re dialed in.
There’s still plenty of work to do, especially with the power play, but this was a performance to build on. And if the Leafs can replicate that pace and effort more consistently, they might just start to climb out of the early-season funk that’s hovered over them.
For now, Berube’s message is clear: play fast, play heavy, play together. Against Florida, they did just that - and got rewarded.