HC Craig Berube doesn't mince words about Maple Leafs current power-play unit

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 13, 2024 04:07 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has never been one to sugarcoat his thoughts. He recently expressed disappointment with the performance of his team's power-play unit to start the season.

After the Maple Leafs' win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, he said (per Luke Fox):

"It's been stagnant. We all know that. Just moving some guys around, trying to find a spark. Something different."

The Maple Leafs are 0-for-9 on the power play, which is disappointing for a unit that features star players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly.

To address the group's underwhelming start, Berube has made changes, including moving defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the top power-play unit. Berube pointed to Ekman-Larsson's experience in Arizona, noting his strong point shot and smooth movement along the blue line, which could help improve the team’s power play.

"Well, he's run power plays for a long time in Arizona and stuff. Shoots the puck from the point. He establishes that shot. Pretty fluid at walking the line and seeing the ice," Berube said (per David Alter).

This adjustment could be pivotal for the Leafs. Ekman-Larsson replacing Morgan Rielly on the top unit signals a move away from Toronto's usual star-heavy strategy. By shifting Rielly to the second unit, Berube shows he's ready to make tough choices in search of better results.

The Leafs have a few days to get ready for their next game against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

William Nylander leads Maple Leafs to 4-2 win over Penguins

William Nylander scored twice as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. Mitch Marner added a goal and an assist, while Anthony Stolarz made 21 saves for his first win with Toronto. The Leafs, playing their home opener, improved to a 2-1-0 record.

Toronto was without John Tavares, who missed the game due to illness. Matthew Knies scored in the second period to give the Leafs a 2-1 lead, after a rebound from Morgan Rielly's shot.

Kris Letang opened the scoring for the Penguins on a power play in the first period, assisted by Sidney Crosby. Rickard Rakell cut Toronto's lead to 3-2 in the third, but Nylander's empty-net goal secured the win.

Evgeni Malkin reached 1,300 NHL points with two assists, as Pittsburgh dropped to 1-2-0.