Craig Berube Explains Recent Decision to Take William Nylander Off of Maple Leafs' Top Line

On Wednesday evening, the Leafs found themselves in an early 1-0 deficit to the Nashville Predators on a freak play in which the puck took a funny bounce before landing in the crease next to a bewildered Joseph Woll.

The Leafs could not even the score in the 1st or 2nd frame, which led to a pretty significant change. Mitch Marner was shifted up to return to his rightful place alongside Auston Matthews on the top line.

The payoff was almost immediate, with Matthews, Rielly and Marner connecting on the tying goal just 31 seconds into the 3rd period.

Less than 2 minutes later, they struck again, this time with Marner picking up the primary assist on a beautiful Matthews dangle and 5-hole tuck.

On Friday, when the Maple Leafs' morning skate got underway, Marner was right back on the top line with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews on the top line.

When Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke with the media following the morning skate, he revealed why Nylander was moved down to the 2nd line and why Marner will remain with Matthews when the Leafs host the Capitals at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.

Marner and Matthews have a long history of tremendous success together. The quick results that they were able to produce on Wednesday against Nashville wasn't just a flash in the pan. There's plenty more where that came from, and perhaps we'll see a continuation of that magic tonight against the Capitals.