Craig Berube's Maple Leafs Surprisingly Lead the League in One Impressive Category
The Toronto Maple Leafs are leading the league in an impressive category in Craig Berube's first season as head coach.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their strong performance this season, they secured another win, this time against the Buffalo Sabres, by a score of 6-3.
With a record of 21-10-2, the Leafs now sit at the top of the Atlantic Division. Much of this success can be attributed to new head coach Craig Berube.
Berube has revitalized the Maple Leafs by emphasizing the basics: skate hard, be defensively responsible, play straight line hockey, and finish your checks. These principles have made a significant impact, particularly on newly appointed captain Auston Matthews, who has further elevated his already impressive two-way game.
This strong play by the Leafs has led them to a remarkable position among the NHL's elite. The Leafs have become masters when it comes to protecting a lead, owners of the fewest blown leads in games they are winning, with just two this season.
Where Berube differs from former head coach Sheldon Keefe is in his approach to accountability. For example, even when the top line is scoring, Berube ensures they remain accountable, and seeks improvement in the other parts of their game . This was evident last week when he put William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner together on a line and then split the line up last night despite the fact that they scored a pair of goals in Dallas.
Berube also isn't afraid to shake up the lineup, making changes when necessary, unlike Keefe, who often refused to change it up or delayed decisions to make changes, even if the lines were not producing. This was most evident in the playoffs.
Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs will face the New York Islanders on Saturday, looking to continue the style of play he has instilled in the team. The hope is that this new brand of Leafs hockey will lead the club to another victory.
