Craig Berube preaches need for complete team buy-in as Maple Leafs face critical month before playoffs
The Olympic break is over, the National Hockey League trade freeze is over, and on Wednesday night, the puck will drop again as the regular season’s final two months commence.
“We’re going to have to roll on here, we have a back-to-back coming out of the gate. That’ll be critical that we’ve got everybody going because we need everyone to be successful. That’s how I look at it,” Berube said. “If you look at the whole month, you are going to need everybody in your lineup to get minutes.”
William Nylander returned to the ice with the Maple Leafs for Tuesday morning’s practice after taking part in the Winter Olympics for his home country of Sweden. In five games with Team Sweden, Nylander recorded two goals and two assists. Berube was happy with what he saw from the Maple Leafs forward.
“He looks good, he’s ready to go, and he says he feels good,” Berube said. “It took a couple days to relax and rest up a bit. Getting over everything from an emotional level and the mental side of things can take a little bit of time. Obviously, the Olympics is a grind for these guys, but he’s good to go.”
With Nylander, Auston Matthews and Oliver Ekman-Larsson all taking part in the Olympics, they weren’t able to skate with the team as they prepared to reopen the NHL season. Berube knows it might be tough for these three, but with the little margin for error the Maple Leafs have given themselves, they need to get going right out of the gate.
“Obviously, those guys weren’t here for the week of practice we had. It’s tough going over there and not winning. That was their goal, and it didn’t happen. They’re grown men, they are pros, they understand it, and they’ll move on,” Berube said. “They all understand the importance of this team right now, where we’re at and what we need to do.”
Matthews was the one to claim gold, helping the United States of America win an Olympic title for the first time since 1980. In six games, Team USA’s captain recorded three goals and four assists.
“There might be some fatigue. Going back to last year, I thought there was some fatigue from players who came back from the Four Nations Faceoff,” Berube said. “He’s riding a pretty good high right now. He’s feeling good. We will evaluate him tomorrow and see where he’s at. I’ll have a better feel after I speak to him tonight.”
Going into the break, the Maple Leafs received strong play in their net from both goaltenders. This is important as both goalies will get a start with the back-to-back slated on the schedule. Berube still wasn’t sure who he’d turn to in Tampa tomorrow.
“I’m still mulling it over a little bit. I’m going to discuss it with our goalie coach and then go from there,” Berube said. “They’ve both had good success in both buildings. We need both goalies the rest of the way through.”
Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday evening in Tampa Bay.