"Just like we talked about, I don't think there has been enough consistency. I have used Willy with him numerous times in different spots. That is really the reason. For sure, it could create more space. Auston is a shooter, and Willy is a great playmaker. I think we underestimate his playmaking ability. We know he scores goals, too. Willy is a puck transporter up the ice, and he is a guy who hangs onto pucks in the offensive zone, moves, and gets separation. That's important."
"He is teaching me about stuff - power play, where to shoot, and this and that. It is always a good conversation with him. I enjoy those. He is a smart guy who knows a lot about the game. I like talking to the guys about the game - and not just Willy - to get their thoughts. They play the game, and they're good players who have been in the league a long time. They know a lot."
Practice lines showed McMann-Matthews-Nylander as the top trio, with Knies-Tavares-Maccelli, Joshua-Roy-Cowan, and Lorentz-Domi-Jarnkrok behind them. Defensive groupings included McCabe-Carlo, Mermis*-Ekman-Larsson, and Benoit-Myers, with Stolarz and Primeau in goal; Rielly was absent but skated earlier. Berube reunited Matthews and Nylander to seek consistency and to exploit Nylander's playmaking and puck-transport ability, which can create space for Matthews' shooting. Berube described productive tactical conversations with Nylander about the power play and shooting. The team is experimenting with lines while handling injuries and nearing milestones such as John Tavares approaching 500 career goals.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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