Confirmed with Link: Craig Berube named the 32nd Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs

DarkKnight

Professional Amateur
Jan 17, 2017
33,961
53,875
More and more as the season progresses the team is building its identity and playing his system. It's bend not break, it's clear the rebound opportunities, it's D man up ice not across, it's dump and forecheck, it's keep the puck in front of you defensively, it's a hive, support work ethic. To me it's winning hockey, that's sustainable for the playoffs.

This team doesn't look anything like previous iterations, for the better as far as I'm concerned.
 

ACC1224

Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
Aug 19, 2002
76,767
43,417
More and more as the season progresses the team is building its identity and playing his system. It's bend not break, it's clear the rebound opportunities, it's D man up ice not across, it's dump and forecheck, it's keep the puck in front of you defensively, it's a hive, support work ethic. To me it's winning hockey, that's sustainable for the playoffs.

This team doesn't look anything like previous iterations, for the better as far as I'm concerned.
Coaching change was long overdue.
 

Voodoo Child

Registered User
Jun 16, 2009
6,515
2,635
Loving the team this year so far.

Excellent boxing out guys in front of the net, letting the goalie see the puck.

I can see definite input on some off-season adds, most notably Oel and Lorentz, who have both fit.

And they're actually getting competent goaltending from both guys.

Running a hard forecheck and taking less shit after the whistle.

Not afraid to mix it up and run a true line blender - Keefe's idea of a blender is just various different combinations of JT-Marner-Willy-Mitch. Play well and play up.

Get the puck and move it up the ice quickly.

He's very intense behind the bench and it's rubbing off.
 

LEAFANFORLIFE23

Registered User
Jun 17, 2010
47,533
16,114
What a job he's done, he's got them working harder then they EVER did under Keefe.

But It's not just him.

The PK is clicking

The PP is getting better.

Guys are buying in

haven't seen the team play this hard since the 2002 playoffs with their line of Hoglund Mccauley Roberts.
 

HockeyVirus

Woll stan.
Nov 15, 2020
19,559
29,958
Is it too early for Berbube > Keefe?

I love how this team is playing. It's Burns / Quinn style hockey baby!

Depends on where your team is at.

Keefe is a better coach for a bunch of kids you are trying to turn into consistent pros. He is able to relate to them, be friendly, push them, and has proven he can develop star talent.

If your organization is a vet team who needs to win, Berube>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
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wingman75

Registered User
Dec 3, 2008
6,539
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The QC
Depends on where your team is at.

Keefe is a better coach for a bunch of kids you are trying to turn into consistent pros. He is able to relate to them, be friendly, push them, and has proven he can develop star talent.

If your organization is a vet team who needs to win, Berube>>>>>>>>>>>>>
For sure, perspective is for the Leafs. Agreed.
 

Leafs87

Mr. Steal Your Job
Aug 10, 2010
15,217
5,357
Toronto
Depends on where your team is at.

Keefe is a better coach for a bunch of kids you are trying to turn into consistent pros. He is able to relate to them, be friendly, push them, and has proven he can develop star talent.

If your organization is a vet team who needs to win, Berube>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I think Keefe is okay, and coaches a different style. I’d say Knies is playing his best hockey under Berube, maybe that’s also natural progression but I’d prefer Berube for both scenarios mentioned above.
 

HockeyVirus

Woll stan.
Nov 15, 2020
19,559
29,958
I think Keefe is okay, and coaches a different style. I’d say Knies is playing his best hockey under Berube, maybe that’s also natural progression but I’d prefer Berube for both scenarios mentioned above.

Berube is great for guys like McMann, Grebenkin, and Knies. But the vast majority of players in the league are closer to Robertson than those guys. I know Keefe didn't like Robertson either (lol) but he is better suited to help those types of players than Knies and co reach their potential. IMO
 
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Leafsfan74

Registered User
Jul 2, 2018
5,349
5,712
I saw them united tonight. That’s a huge win IMO
Perhaps the most important aspect of this team that needed to be improved and cannot ever be perfected really.

Anyone who has played team sports understands how critical it is for teams to have each others backs. I've complained for years that you can't just have one guy alone, you need a pack to look out for one another.

Reaves can be the guy who gets the last word in on a violation against his teammates, but they need to have a pack mentality when teams take liberties. Doing so doesn't just ensure their teammates are safer, but they are each individually safer too.

Berube needs to be harsh when the situation demands it: lazy plays, poor effort, boneheaded unforced errors etc. Whether on the bench or in the odd media scrum, he has to speak his mind so that the team pulls the cart together. Of course, leaving the most harsh words for the lockerroom or behind closed doors.

This is pro sports, even the poorest player dwarfs what the average hard working, intelligent person in the general population makes. Using kid gloves when dealing with men making millions in a highly competitive field has always been an awful approach.
 

Jimmy Firecracker

Backcheck, Forecheck, Paycheque.
Mar 30, 2010
37,642
39,113
Mississauga
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weems

Registered User
Jul 3, 2008
18,622
12,917

That's the thing about controlled zone entries.
When it doesn't work, you're turning the puck over and many times it leads to odd man rushes the other way and puts tons of pressure on the D.
Like the writer points out, teams will just jam up the blueline, wait for you to try a forced play, pick off the puck and start a counter attack.

Not surprised to see that Florida consistently ranks high in dump in rate.
 
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Evilhomer

Registered User
Oct 10, 2019
5,185
5,103
Not like we haven't seen a November heater too

But I will say I like the changes Berube has made in how this team is winning. Overcoming injuries and illness well.
Look at how the Leafs generally won under Keefe. Look at how they are winning under Berube. These two things are not the same.
 

nuck

Schrodingers Cat
Aug 18, 2005
11,619
2,661
Not like we haven't seen a November heater too

But I will say I like the changes Berube has made in how this team is winning. Overcoming injuries and illness well.
And this with such a limited contribution from 34. Hoping he moves the dial that much further when he gets back in the lineup.
 

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