Craig Berube gets brutally honest about what's wrong with the Maple Leafs offense
The Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers showed big issues the team needs to address and this is particularly in special teams and five-on-five play.
As said in the Maple Leafs Hot Stove, head coach Craig Berube and players like Mitch Marner and Anthony Stolarz have reflected on the game's shortcomings and the impact of ongoing injuries.
Craig Berube noted special teams as the decisive factor in the loss because the Leafs surrendered two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal, which made to be the difference.
He acknowledged that while the power play moved the puck well at times, it failed to generate quality scoring chances during the match.
Florida's aggressive penalty kill pressured Toronto into mistakes and this was culminating in the shorthanded goal that left the Leafs chasing the game.
Generating offense at even strength remains a significant challenge for the Leafs since they currently sit 24th in the NHL in five-on-five scoring.
Craig Berube pointed to a lack of net-front presence which could lead to more "greasy" goals.
Mitch Marner echoed this and said that the team needs to be more aggressive in the offensive zone and create opportunities by tipping pucks and crashing the net after a shot.
Injuries continue to be a major obstacle with Bobby McMann exiting the game due to a lower-body injury.
Craig Berube expressed frustration but focused on finding solutions with the current roster and Marner noted that it can be a bit more difficult with all the injuries.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz shouldered some of the blame and felt he could have made key saves to keep the game closer.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 28 | 216 ANSWERS Craig Berube gets brutally honest about what's wrong with the Maple Leafs offense Do you think the Leafs will win their next game? | ||
| Yes | 192 | 88.9 % |
| No | 24 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
