"One of the biggest questions entering the season was who was going to replace Mitch Marner on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. So far, Matias Maccelli, Easton Cowan, and Max Domi have auditioned for the role. Cowan's time on the line saw them produce their best results, but it hasn't been enough to cement himself as the permanent top-line winger."
"The Leafs looked good in the first period against New Jersey, but three goals against in the first five minutes of the period is a great way to gift wrap the opposing team all of the momentum. They looked like they were a step behind the Devils from that point on, but Berube pushed back on the notion that the team's overall speed is an issue."
The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the season with a 3-3-1 record through seven games and an early call-out from goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The top-line wing spot alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies remains unsettled, with Matias Maccelli, Easton Cowan, and Max Domi all auditioning. Easton Cowan produced the best results but has not secured the permanent role. Craig Berube expressed mounting frustration with continued experimentation and a lack of sustained offensive-zone pressure. A game against the New Jersey Devils saw three goals conceded in the first five minutes, shifting momentum and exposing inconsistency.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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