What Motivation Tactics Will Berube Use?
Like former Leafs coach Pat Quinn, Berube comes with a physical presence. That, along with his Stanley Cup championship, should command respect. Plus, he played 17 seasons in the NHL and over 1,000 games in an enforcer's role. He knows the lifestyle of an NHL player and the demands that come with it.
Over the years, Keefe grew in his position as coach of the Leafs, but how effective his motivation strategies were is unknown without acknowledgment from the players (unlikely).
Keefe's best coaching with the Leafs was the last three games against the Bruins. He had the team playing a sound defensive structure, with Matthews absent for two of those games.
Berube's task is to combine the improved defensive structure of those three games with the regular season offensive success over the last half-decade.
Keefe never seemed comfortable calling out his players. Occasionally, Nylander felt his wrath and was benched, but public criticism of individual players was a rarity.
Continually calling out a player for underperforming is not suggested, but putting demands on your best players to lead the way in effort, structure, and accountability is essential. It is important to remember that just because Keefe didn't scream at people or call them out in the media doesn't mean he didn't hold his players accountable. He clearly did.
Berube's most important motivational tool is showing there will be no shortcuts, everyone is equally accountable, and convincing his best players to lead the way without pushback.
Berube must also persuade his players to be a more consistent team in the regular season. For years, the Leafs have had too many missed opportunities against lesser competition.
Lay fewer eggs against weaker opponents and a division title can be had. The Atlantic Division is incredibly tough. The Leafs finally winning a division title (the all-Canadian pandemic division aside) is a route they haven't tried for playoff success.