Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
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Two points out of second overall, with Winnipeg coming back down to earth. The leafs haven't had a coach this good since Quinn.
Confirmed with Link: Craig Berube named the 32nd Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Thread starter Cleetus
- Start date
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
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I think the way the team is playing, and winning, is far different than it was under Keefe, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
DarkKnight
Professional Amateur
- Jan 17, 2017
- 33,941
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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.
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
- 76,756
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Coaching change was long overdue.
I saw them united tonight. That’s a huge win IMO
Leaf Rocket
Leaf Fan Till I Die
They look stronger for once, and bouncing back when they get pushed. It's refreshing to see.
HEAVY DUTY
"Nobody ever suspects the butterfly."
1specter
Registered User
- Sep 27, 2016
- 12,290
- 18,471
I feel really relaxed whenever we have the lead now.
Jimmy Firecracker
Backcheck, Forecheck, Paycheque.
The Berube effect as experienced by an opponent.
Is it too early for Berbube > Keefe?
I love how this team is playing. It's Burns / Quinn style hockey baby!
I love how this team is playing. It's Burns / Quinn style hockey baby!
Voodoo Child
Registered User
- Jun 16, 2009
- 6,513
- 2,631
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
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I'm sure Keefe is a nice guy, but these two coaches are not on the same level. You can't watch this team and come to any other conclusion (and, yes, you must look beyond just the record).
HockeyVirus
Woll stan.
- Nov 15, 2020
- 19,538
- 29,900
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
- 19,538
- 29,900
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
Leafsfan74
Registered User
- Jul 2, 2018
- 5,343
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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.
BertCorbeau
F*ck cancer - RIP Fugu and Buffaloed
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.
Jimmy Firecracker
Backcheck, Forecheck, Paycheque.
Offensive vs. defensive balance, the Maple Leafs' playoff viability, and the early results of Craig Berube's style shift
Last week over at Sportsnet, Justin Bourne wrote a thoughtful article entitled, “Maple Leafs have succeeded at playing low-event hockey, but should that be their goal?” Bourne discusses the Leafs’ defensive improvements but points out that they have somewhat robbed Peter to pay Paul in the...
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