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Knies, Matthews, Marner Share Honest Thoughts on Craig Berube's New System

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Ryan Smitheram
October 14, 2024 (10:41)

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Knies, Matthews and Marner share thoughts on Berube's system so far

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies have shared their thoughts on the changes implemented by new Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube.

The Leafs played fast and somewhat loose defensively under previous head coach Sheldon Keefe and many believed that it made life harder for the team to adjust come playoff time, when there's less time and space.

Now, through three games under Craig Berube in the regular season, the Leafs have collected victories over their former gameplan designers in Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas. Following Saturday night's victory, a trio of the Leafs' top players commented on the needed style change that Berube has brought to the table in Toronto.

"It's always been in here, you know," said Matthew Knies, who has impressed Berube so far with his play. "I think we have the energy and the players to play the way he wants us to - physical, fast, north hockey. I think we brought that today, and I think that's what made us win this game."

New captain Auston Matthews, who has shockingly yet to score through three games, doesn't appear to be worried about it, noting that he is more concerned with adjusting to the style of play than scoring.

"There's obviously adjustments. We've checked well. We didn't give up much, and we're creating chances. And those chances will start to go in as we continue to build more chemistry as the season goes along, get more acclimated to the way we want to play. I think we're happy with where we're at right now."

Marner echoed Matthews' sentiment after finally finding the back of the net Saturday.

"We're trying to be predictable to each other. And when that happens, I think it's working well for us. So, just try to stick to it. It's worked so far, and I thought when we've needed to check, we've done a good job."

After a dominant first game against the Montreal Canadiens that that saw the Leafs get shut out for the first time in 227 games, the team has won back-to-back games and will now have a few days off to continue to fine tune things in practice before hosting the LA Kings on Wednesday.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Ex-Maple Leafs Goaltender Ilya Samsonov Throws Some Shade at his Former Team

Alex Nylander Off to Impressive Start with the Toronto Marlies

Simon Benoit Starts Public Beef with Ex-Leafs Winger Michael Bunting Over Embellishment

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