Craig Berube wants "more consistency" in Bobby McMann as he makes it to Maple Leafs' second line

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Oct 28, 2024 21:24 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube called out second-line winger Bobby McMann following the Leafs’ 4-3 OT loss on Saturday night against the Boston Bruins.

Berube singled McMann for his costly mistake that led to Justin Brazeau’s game-tying goal. The blunder allowed the B’s to get back into the game, eventually leading to a 4-3 OT win on another costly blunder in the extra frame by captain Auston Matthews.

"The Hockey News" quoted Craig Berube as saying the following:

“Every shift is important, every situation is important … (we need) more urgency in his game.”

Berube’s comments underscored the specific areas for improvement in McMann’s performance.

“I think he could be a lot more physical than he is. He gives it, the physicality, in his skating. You can see it in the power there and stuff, but he needs more consistency.”

The Leafs’ coaching staff has shown faith in McMann. Berube moved him to the second line with William Nylander and Max Domi.

However, Bobby McMann’s gaffe cost him minutes on Saturday night, as he was riding the bench during the game’s most critical moments.

McMann is expected to be in the Leafs’ lineup on Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets. During Monday morning’s practice, McMann skated with Max Domi and Pontus Holmberg on the third line. Meanwhile, veteran Max Pacioretty will be joining John Tavares and Nylander on the second line.

Those new-look combos will hopefully spark the Leafs’ scoring as they tackle the only undefeated team in the NHL this season.

Bobby McMann acknowledges Craig Berube’s words

"The Hockey News" caught up with Bobby McMann following Monday morning’s skate. He acknowledged Craig Berube’s words by commenting:

“I think you recognize the importance of every little play and every opportunity, even where your feet are turned, might dictate whether you can get a guy or get your stick on a puck or something. So every little thing just makes a huge difference."

McMann added:

"I think that we’ve got to recognize because come the end of the year, that’s the difference of when you win or lose a game and what wins you a series.”

Those little things are what Craig Berube has been drilling his team into focusing on since arriving in Toronto. However, it’s been a struggle at times this season to put those words into action. But judging from McMann’s comments, it seems the message has sunk in.

McMann concluded his comments, stating:

“It's more a little bit of complacency that can come in because you're starting to get into a few games in the season, the excitement of maybe the start of the season is wearing off a little bit.”

With the Atlantic Division race air-tight, the Leafs will need to attack every game with urgency and enthusiasm as they look to earn a playoff spot in what could be the NHL’s most competitive division.