Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares Honest Reaction on His First Season in Toronto
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Photo credit: DAN HAMILTON-USA TODAY SPORTS
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube had plenty to say about his first season behind the bench in Toronto during a radio appearance on Thursday.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs have surged out of the gate following the 4 Nations tournament, they've put together a three-game win streak and reclaimed the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
At the helm and partially responsible for the team's impressive play is Craig Berube. Known for his stern demeanor, flexibility and willingness to shuffle lines as needed, Berube is not afraid to adjust his rotations, even if it means reducing the ice time of star players and running the hot line.
In an interview on the FAN 590 Radio show on Thursday, Berube shared his thoughts on his time in Toronto, as well as his collaboration with Brendan Shanahan and Brad Treliving.
"For me, it's been great. I've loved every minute of it. First, working in the organization with the people I work with -- Brad, Shannie, and all the guys -- everyone in the organization has been great."
Berube also praised the coaching staff and players, who have made his job a whole lot easier.
"The whole staff I get to work with -- the coaching staff, the training staff, everyone I interact with daily -- is great. I really enjoy them, and the players. This team was a breath of fresh air for me, coming in and seeing how hard they work and compete every day. Their preparation is first-class, in my opinion.
Just overall, Toronto itself -- the fans, the media, everything -- has been awesome for me. I've really enjoyed it."
Just overall, Toronto itself -- the fans, the media, everything -- has been awesome for me. I've really enjoyed it."
This level of praise for the Maple Leafs organization speaks volumes, considering Berube's extensive coaching experience. He is approaching his 19th year in the coaching profession, with another 17 years as a player in the NHL.
Berube has implemented a more well-rounded style of play for the Maple Leafs, a departure from the offense-first mindset under previous coach Sheldon Keefe.
One key difference between Keefe and Berube is Berube's ability to hold star players accountable and to ensure that his feedback is received and applied. The most notable example of this is Auston Matthews, who has become a significantly better two-way player under Berube.
The biggest test for Berube's Maple Leafs is yet to come. If the team fails to advance past the first round again this season, perhaps Berube will feel some of the sting that his predecessors behind the bench in Toronto had felt.
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