The Maple Leafs finally made the change they needed

"The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a recent trend of coming back late in games. For years, the Toronto Maple Leafs were labeled as a team that struggled to close games. When trailing heading into the third period in years past, the Maple Leafs had a hard time finding ways to win. This version of the Maple Leafs is different; they can stick with it late in games when things haven't been going their way and play to their strengths."

"The biggest change from years past is that they are no longer uncomfortable. Craig Berube consistently designs game plans that keep the Maple Leafs within reach and able to attack the game when they need to. The Maple Leafs do not force offence throughout the game and have learnt the importance of playing strong defensively. This is a big change from when Sheldon Keefe was behind the bench. When the Maple Leafs were trailing late in games, it was almost a guarantee that they would lose."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have transformed into a team that consistently stages late-game comebacks by staying competitive and playing to their strengths. The team under Craig Berube emphasizes defensive responsibility, heavier forechecking, and more direct zone entries instead of forcing offense. Berube's game plans keep the Leafs within reach and enable targeted offensive pushes when opportunities arise. The Leafs focus on controlling the game by pushing the puck into the offensive zone, creating line mismatches, and hemming opponents in their zone. That deliberate late-game approach preserves chances to capitalize in the final period.

Read at Editor In Leaf