The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Starting Fresh With An "Old School" Methodology
Craig Berube didn't use "belligerent" or "truculent" during his introductory press conference as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Still, he gave a succinct rundown of what he expects from his team.
Like former Leafs general manager Brian Burke, the Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach was not full of bluster and bravado. Instead, he was matter-of-fact in his expectations of his new team.
The words "North" and "heavy" were not always vernacular associated with the Leafs, especially during the Kyle Dubas-Sheldon Keefe years.
With the appointment of Berube as the first coaching hire of GM Brad Treliving, plus what the new coach visualizes of his team, it appears the Toronto Maple Leafs are moving farther away from their previous identity.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Starting Fresh With An "Old School" Methodology
During most of the "Core 4" era, the Leafs have been a team that wants to possess the puck and cater to their skill. Teams that possess the puck, control the O-zone time, and out chance their opponent have a greater probability of winning.
It's not a slight to Dubas and Keefe for taking this approach. The best organizations develop an identity and play to the strengths of their best players.
The Leafs problem has been getting results when it matters most. An impressive streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances has not translated to postseason success.
During his last year with the Maple Leafs, even Dubas recognized the need for more mettle within the lineup. He acquired players like Luke Schenn, Noel Acciari, and Ryan O'Reilly, known for their physical play.
Treliving and Berube Have a Shared Vision
Of course, the coach and GM of any NHL team must share the same vision. It will be easier now that Treliving has made his first coaching hire for the Leafs.
One shouldn't expect Berube to ask players like Mitch Marner and William Nylander to dump pucks in and hammer the opposition's defenseman into the boards.
Berube has never coached such talent before. He is likely aware that he doesn't want to alienate his best players by removing what they do best. Yet, the Leafs new coach will have conversations about the best time and place to think offensively.
A lack of special-teams production, questionable goals allowed by their goaltenders, and a disappearing offense have all played a part in early playoff exits for the Maple Leafs.
Another critical factor has been game management. For years, the Leafs have not been assignment sound at inopportune moments. The most recent, glaring example was the series-deciding overtime goal against the Boston Bruins during this year's playoffs.
The "East-West" game, short-passes only, and high puck-possession numbers appear to be a thing of the past for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Their general manager and new coach have a new vision. The blueprint will start to be revealed over the summer. For better or for worse.