Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has been making headlines recently, not just for the team's performance, but also for his own bumps and bruises. The veteran coach showed up to a recent media availability sporting a noticeable black eye and stitches on his forehead, the result of an accident in the gym. Berube, known for his tough demeanor during his playing days, downplayed the incident, joking that "the other guy looks way worse," and assuring reporters that he was fine.
However, the coach's physical state isn't the only challenge he's facing. The Maple Leafs are currently struggling, especially after a recent 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. This defeat capped off a miserable homestand where the team couldn't manage a single win. Berube expressed his frustration with the team's defensive play, stating, "We gotta keep the puck out of our net, is what I learned, and we didn't do that here at home".
Berube emphasized the need for the team to improve their defensive efforts and avoid costly mistakes. He noted that the team has been scoring enough goals to win, but their inability to prevent goals is undermining their success. "Until we decide to do things right and keep the puck out of our net - and that's the goalies included - this is what you're going to get," Berube stated. The Leafs have given up the most goals of any team in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the challenges, Berube remains determined to turn things around. He stressed the importance of hard work, playing within the system, and a renewed focus on defensive responsibilities. As the Leafs embark on a road trip, fans in Toronto will be watching closely to see if Berube's message resonates with the team.
