THE COACH’S PULSE
Craig Berube — Pre-Game Breakdown Ahead of Lightning Matchup
Berube outlines lineup changes, power play adjustments, Hildeby’s growth, defensive tweaks, and the challenge Tampa Bay presents.
On Calle Järnkrok Returning to the Lineup
“Calle is in tonight. Just more penalty killing for me. It’s a good power play over there — we know that — and I wanted an extra killer in. That line with Laughton and Lorentz and Järnkrok is a good checking line for us too. We’ll need that.”
On the Power Play and Considerations for Balance
“It obviously comes up for sure. I went back to this unit looking at some video and numbers from early in the year. These guys were actually pretty good — they created a lot of opportunities. Didn’t go in the net, and a lot of times when it doesn’t go in, you make changes. What you brought up is a valid point and I’ve definitely thought about it.”
On Confidence and Power Play Simplicity
“Confidence is a big thing. When it’s not going well, you stop being direct, you stop shooting — and you’re not going to get anything then. We’ve got to get back to simplifying, shooting pucks, being good around the net. That’s how we scored last year — big guys around the net and getting pucks in there. That was our DNA.”
On Hildeby Handling Increased Responsibility
“He seems really good. He’s got a great head on his shoulders — very prepared guy. First one at the rink every day. His work ethic has gone up this year in practice and he’s gotten really good coaching from our goalie coach. He seems confident and good.”
On Bringing Dakota Mermis Back In
“Merms and Myers — you give them three or four games and time to make a little change. They’ve both done a good job for us, but we’ve got to manage their extended play a little bit. Merms plays with some snarl, moves the puck simply, and he can play the right side as a left shot.”
On Nick Robertson’s Recent Dip
“It’s dropped off. I talked to Nikki this morning. Some of it’s ice time — he was in the top six and doing a good job, then changes happen. I have all the confidence he’ll get it back. He’s lost a bit of his jump and tenacity, but that’s ice time and opportunity too.”
On Whether Time Off Helped Nicolas Roy
“Maybe. Sometimes a reset — injury or coach’s scratch — you come back with a little more juice and jump. Could be the case.”
On Tampa Bay as an Opponent
“Same thing — a lot of injuries. But they’ve got elite players, we all know that. Very good rush team. Dynamic. Power play can be dynamic. We’ve got to be disciplined and do a good job with our PK and against their skilled forwards. And Hedman’s back too — it’s a challenge.”
On Leading the NHL in Faceoff Percentage
“It’s definitely a benefit — you’re starting with the puck in all three zones. I think we can do more in the offensive zone with how good our guys are in draws. Capitalize more. But it’s a luxury to have four guys who can all do the job.”
Pulse Takeaway
Berube continues emphasizing structure, identity, and simplicity. With Tampa’s elite skill and dangerous power play, Toronto leans on faceoff strength, renewed penalty killing, and Calle Järnkrok’s reliability. Hildeby’s calm maturity remains a key storyline as injuries persist, while Robertson’s development hinges on restoring pace and assertiveness.
Quotes via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.