Craig Berube on John Tavares' big minutes in Auston Matthews' absence: "It is a lot to ask of him, but he is willing and has handled it well... I have to try to lower them"

"Does the win on Tuesday release some of the pressure or tension for the team? Berube: It does. It does for a bit, but we have to carry on here and keep piling up wins when we can. That game is over. We did a good job and won the hockey game, but we have a tough challenge tonight that we have to get focused on."

"Scott Laughton hasn't had much of a chance to establish himself with the injuries. Are you hopeful he finally gets a bit of a runway now that he's back? Berube: We traded for him last year, and it took him a bit to get acclimated, but I thought he had a good playoff for us, for sure. He did what we brought him in to do. I thought he did a good job. It's good to have him back."

The Tuesday win provided short-term relief but the team must continue piling up wins and remain focused on upcoming challenges. Scott Laughton has returned after injury struggles, showed playoff effectiveness, and fits the role the team acquired him for. The Lorentz–Laughton–Cowan line displayed speed, puck play, playmaking, and early chemistry in camp. Defensive improvement, a strong first period, and attention to the little details were key to the recent victory. Columbus will require tight checking and a continued defensive focus. Calle Jarnkrok was moved up for matchup reasons and familiarity and contributes as a penalty killer and hard worker.

Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove