Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube commends Cedric Pare for handling controversial Patrik Laine collision

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 29, 2024 11:43 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube praised Cedric Pare for staying calm after a controversial collision with Patrik Laine during Saturday’s pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens.

The collision happened in the first period, with Pare and Laine hitting knee-on-knee. Laine left the game with a leg injury, and Montreal later confirmed he would not return, raising concerns about his condition.

On Sunday, Berube talked about the hit and downplayed the controversy, saying the collision wasn’t on purpose.

“Just a tough play,” he said. “I mean, just trying to beat a guy. I mean, it ended up colliding. That's all I saw. I never really looked at it any closer than that.” (6:46)

Pare faced adversity after the incident. Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj targeted him, and the Montreal crowd was loud. Despite the pressure, Berube praised Pare for staying focused.

“I thought he played a good game. I mean, I don't think he got affected by it. I think he stood his ground and just played. And I thought he had a good game tonight."

Laine's injury is a big concern for the Canadiens. They got the 26-year-old forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August. After finishing last in the Atlantic Division for three seasons in a row, the Canadiens were hoping Laine would help improve their performances. Now, with Laine’s status unclear, that could be up in the air.

Maple Leafs secure 2-1 pre-season win over Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs earned a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens in a pre-season game at Centre Bell. Nicholas Robertson scored both goals for the Leafs, including a power-play goal after Arber Xhekaj retaliated for a knee-on-knee hit involving Patrik Laine.

Laine left the game early, and Xhekaj’s actions resulted in a lengthy penalty for Montreal. David Reinbacher also exited due to injury, leaving the Canadiens short-handed.

Montreal pushed back late in the game, with Kirby Dach scoring in the final minutes. However, Toronto’s penalty kill and defense stayed strong throughout the game. Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube praised his team’s efforts:

“The group was involved and they’re competing out there, it was a really hard game,” (via Sportsnet.com).

Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said his team got better in five-on-five play but struggled with the game's stops, injuries, and penalties. In the end, Maple Leafs' discipline and strong defense, along with important saves from Dennis Hildeby, helped them beat the Canadiens.