Craig Berube's Recent Line Changes Come Across Like An Act Of Desperation
The Toronto Maple Leafs' forward group has struggled to find consistency this season and this is leading Craig Berube to experiment some significant line changes.
During Saturday's game, they were trailing 2-0 entering the third period and Craig Berube made the surprising move to demote Auston Matthews from the top line and replacing him by John Tavares.
Change of line for Auston Matthews and John Tavares
Despite the change, the Leafs couldn't bring any offense in the final stretch, and they were suffering their second consecutive not-so-good performance.
This reshuffling has started some speculations that Craig Berube is contemplating more permanent adjustment to the Leafs' top lines.
While Mitch Marner expressed satisfaction with the team's effort, both Berube and defenseman Chris Tanev openly disagreed with him and highlighted the team's recent struggles.
Toronto's offensive difficulties extend way before these two games and while Auston Matthews has been productive with 8 points in 5 games since his return.
Mitch Marner has managed just 1 goal in his last 8 games, William Nylander has 1 goal in 10 games and Tavares has found the back of the net only once in his last five games.
This lack of production from their stars has put additional pressure on the coaching staff and Craig Berube to find solutions to help the offense.
Just two days before their matchup against the Dallas Stars, the Monday practice could give some insights into Craig Berube's plans.
Observers will closely look at the line to see if the latest shuffles has stayed or if players like Ryan Reaves and Pontus Holmberg re-enter the lineup to help the bottom six.
Tuesday's game could serve as a turning point-or a sign that further changes are necessary in the Leafs fans.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 302 ANSWERS Craig Berube's Recent Line Changes Come Across Like An Act Of Desperation Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs and Craig Berube can figure out the offense? | ||
| YES | 245 | 81.1 % |
| NO | 57 | 18.9 % |
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