Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Critical of His Team's Effort Following OT Win Over Devils
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was justifiably critical of his team's play at even strength and on the power play following an OT win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
Last night's win over the New Jersey Devils was one to both remember and forget for the Leafs, and especially one to remember for Anthony Stolarz, who drew the start against his hometown team and put up the performance of a lifetime.
The Maple Leafs found themselves outshot 39-16 in the contest, but an outstanding showing for Stolarz kept the game close, which proved to be vital for a resilient Maple Leafs team who came to fight in the 3rd period and in overtime.
Following the win, Craig Berube made it very clear who the star of the game was for his team -- not that anyone needed to be told.
"Our goalie kept us in it. It was only 1-0. For sure, that's a bit part of it. In the 3rd period, we started to play better and more aggressive and controlled the play a little more...
In 82 games, you're going to have flat nights. That was one of them, for sure. A lot of shots by them, but I thought we defended the interior pretty well overall, and our goalie made saves when we needed him to."
In 82 games, you're going to have flat nights. That was one of them, for sure. A lot of shots by them, but I thought we defended the interior pretty well overall, and our goalie made saves when we needed him to."
The Leafs didn't generate much at 5-on-5 or on the power play on Tuesday, and Berube made sure they knew it during his post-game comments.
"We got more chances shorthanded than we did 5-on-5 tonight, and power play I think, so our shorthanded chances were good. I thought we created some opportunities there. That's a big goal [by Holmberg], obviously, and our penalty kill was a big part of our win tonight, too, with our goalie."
The Leafs may not have necessarily deserved the win, given their showing over the first 40 minutes, but in the end, starting slow didn't end up coming back to bite them, thanks in large to Anthony Stolarz, who absolutely stole the show for his 9th game of the season.
Following the win, former Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe pointed to the tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll as the best goaltending duo in the NHL. After last night's win and otherworldly performance from Stolarz, it's certainly tough to argue otherwise.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 2140 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Critical of His Team's Effort Following OT Win Over Devils Is Anthony Stolarz the Leafs' number one goalie again after a 38-save OT win against New Jersey? | ||
| Yes | 1513 | 70.7 % |
| No, not necessarily | 627 | 29.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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