The Coach’s Pulse — Craig Berube on 2–0 Win Over Lightning | Toronto Sports Pulse
THE COACH’S PULSE
Craig Berube — Post-Game Breakdown After 2–0 Win vs Tampa Bay
Berube discusses Toronto’s defensive structure, physicality, Hildeby’s poise, Troy Stecher’s key goal-line save, and injury updates following a low-event but controlled win.
On the Team’s Performance
“Solid game. Goalie was good. Overall I think we did a good job. They’re obviously a talented group and I thought we limited them of real high-quality chances. Our checking game was good tonight.”
On Defending the Middle of the Ice
“Structure. Just defending the middle of the ice against them. Like we talked about before the game, it’s a very good rush team. We wanted to keep it to the outside as much as possible and I thought we did a real good job of that. It wasn’t a high-event game, but I’m okay with that.”
On the Physicality Between the Teams
“I think that team plays hard. Coop’s been there a long time and his teams compete. We talked about being physical and competing tonight. We had to — that’s how we need to play — and our guys did a good job.”
On the Bobby McMann Penalty
“That’s a tough one. Really is. I’ve got to look at it more closely. On our view on the bench I couldn’t really see it too well. I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest.”
On Dakota Mermis’ Injury
“That’ll be determined tomorrow. He couldn’t come back.”
On Dennis Hildeby’s Recent Play
“I think what I see in net is he’s trusting his ability and his size — staying pretty calm and cool. Puck play’s been good. Overall his mindset is really good.”
On Troy Stecher’s Goal-Line Save
“He’s brought a lot of competitiveness to our team and pace — he skates and moves out there. He doesn’t complicate the game. First-pass guy. His pace and competitiveness have really carried over to our whole team, in my opinion.”
On the Hit That Injured Dakota Mermis
“That’s a knee. I think it’s a good call — five-minute major.”
On Staying Disciplined
“That’s important. We talked about discipline. We checked with our feet tonight — that was a big part of it — and we were disciplined that way. Their power play can be dangerous.”
On a Young Player’s Growing Confidence
“He’s a confident guy. He’s always been. He’s doing some real good things. A young guy like that — always things to learn — but overall his game is good and he’s doing a lot of good things for us.”
Pulse Takeaway
Toronto executed exactly the type of structured, patient game Berube has been pushing for — limiting Tampa’s rush chances, keeping play to the outside, and relying on disciplined, skate-first defending. Hildeby’s composure continues to build trust, while Troy Stechrt’s energy and competitiveness have become staples of the lineup. The win came with concern for Dakota Mermis, but the team’s defensive cohesion and physical edge stood out in a controlled, mature performance.
