Craig Berube on the Leafs getting outshot 37-15 by the Kings: "When we get pucks back in our own zone, we have to make a play to advance it up the ice"

"I liked our first period. We did some real good things and defended well. Our sticks were good, and we did a lot of good things. They three-quarter-ice'd us in the second period, and the reason for that: When we get pucks back in our own zone, we have to make a play to advance it up the ice. We didn't do a good job of it."

"We got the lead in the third, and we sat back too much. Again, it's about advancing that puck up the ice with speed, jumping, and getting into holes. For me, it's confidence, a little bit, and puck play. The plays are there, but we are not making them and aren't seeing them well enough right now. We have to pick up our pace. We have to be more confident in those plays. To me, that's the difference in the game."

"We defended a lot better tonight, but we gave up that many shots because when we get pucks, we aren't advancing them up the ice and getting into the offensive zone. That's the difference in the game. The most important thing is the defensive play in our game. We did a better job tonight, but I thought we were too loose lately. That is the one thing you've got to tighten up. The other stuff will take care of itself."

First period featured strong defense, effective stick work, and several positive plays. The team allowed three-quarter-ice pressure in the second period due to failure to make plays to advance pucks out of its own zone. After taking a third-period lead, the team sat back too much instead of advancing the puck with speed, jumping, and filling offensive holes. Confidence and puck play are lacking, with players not seeing or executing available plays. Defensive play must be tightened, as looseness has been an issue. Confidence will be rebuilt through hard work, video review, and focused practice. Urgency is required, but panic must be avoided.

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