Craig Berube's Comments About the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Raise Some Eyebrows

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Will Bloggs
January 8, 2025 (10:55)

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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has drawn comparisons between this year's Leafs and his 2019 St. Louis Blues squad that won the Stanley Cup.

While the circumstances are not the same the Toronto are not last in the standings like the Blues were, Craig Berube sees similarities in how his current team is evolving.

Craig Berube compares the Maple Leafs to the Blues

Craig Berube replaced Sheldon Keefe as head coach this summer, not as a scapegoat for past shortcomings but to bring a brand new perspective for the Leafs.

Halfway through the season, Berube has bring an identity in the Leafs that he believes mirrors the Blues' disciplined and resilient play and it' really refreshing for the team.

"That team played with an identity every night, and I think our team is really starting to trend in that direction, playing with that identity every night. Staying patient, not forcing things too much. And it's not easy hockey. It's hard hockey. It's only going to get more difficult now, down the stretch."

Despite injuries to some of their most talented players like Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz, Toronto has consistently found ways to win.

Craig Berube credits their ability to handle adversity and thrive in tight games as essential to their success this season.

"We've been in a lot of tight games this year, which is a good thing. Learning how to win those games. Going into third periods with leads and playing a good period - low-event in the third. We're not shooting ourselves in the foot. It's not always pretty, you know. You go through these stretches where you're not scoring a lot. We may not be getting a lot of scoring chances, but we're staying with it and finding a way to win."

With Auston Matthews recently returning from his injury after a six-game absence and Anthony Stolarz still sidelined, the Leafs continue to battle through challenges, but it seems to have some light at the end of the tunnel.

While their roster makeup differs significantly from the 2019 Blues, Craig Berube's championship experience and the Leafs' resilience give fans reason to hope for a deep playoff run.

And you, do you think the Leafs have the chance to win the Stanley Cup this year?

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