FORT LAUDERDALE – Craig Berube reduce a peaceful, relaxed and assured determine as he confronted a string of questions on the Maple Leafs’ luxurious resort located a brief distance from South Florida’s solar and sand.
Toronto’s head coach will likely be searching for comparable composure when his gamers return to motion after a while to relaxation and recuperate.
They’re going to wish it.
The Florida Panthers got here again from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits Friday earlier than securing a 5-4 time beyond regulation victory that reduce the Leafs’ benefit to 2-1 within the groups’ second-round playoff sequence.
The defending Stanley Cup champions have been on their heels early, however struck again in spectacular trend in a bulldozing second interval — actually flexing their muscle tissue for the primary time on this best-of-seven matchup between Atlantic Division combatants.
“All people’s upset,” Berube instructed reporters Saturday of the speedy aftermath following a contest the place Toronto may have grabbed a 3-0 stranglehold with 4 cracks at making the Jap Convention closing. “You may actually let it go the opposite manner. Or you’ll be able to seize it, repair it, make some changes.
“We’re all the time ready for an extended sequence. We have now a chance to enter Sport 4 (on Sunday) and get a break up.”
That cool method within the face of strain is one thing Berube has introduced all season — his first in Toronto — after successful the Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
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There aren’t many issues the Leafs coach hasn’t seen.
“Once you’ve received earlier than, that makes it a bit bit simpler,” mentioned veteran winger Max Pacioretty. “It’s a very nice impact to trickle down. It isn’t all the time the case if you’re taking part in on this league. You do really feel that sense of calmness in powerful conditions, but in addition the demanding roles that we’ve.”
When an opponent is pushing, there’s a balancing act Berube calls for of his workforce. Toronto didn’t get there in Friday’s center interval.
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“We’ve acquired to remain calm,” Pacioretty added. “But additionally we’ve acquired to get our foot on the gasoline. It feels like an oxymoron, however he does a very good job of that.”
One particular space the place the Leafs will look to be higher Sunday is assuaging strain from Florida’s relentless forecheck.
Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll doesn’t have the identical puck-handling abilities as Anthony Stolarz, who has missed the final two video games with an undisclosed damage. The Leafs’ defence and forwards must work higher in tandem with their netminder after the Panthers hemmed the guests in quite a few instances in Sport 3.
“Fairly powerful for (Woll) to come back out and play these,” Berube mentioned of dump-ins excessive on the glass. “Decide fast and transfer it, that’s the underside line.”
Leafs blueliner Simon Benoit mentioned communication is essential.
” (Woll) does what he can to assist us,” he mentioned. “We’ve simply acquired to be there for him.”
Berube, in the meantime, has been there setting the tone for a core group — led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander — that has skilled loads of playoff heartbreak.
“Finished an awesome job,” Leafs winger Matthew Knies mentioned. “Moulded mindset and created a successful tradition.”
Toronto stayed off the ice Saturday. Pacioretty mentioned there are advantages for vacationers and hockey gamers alike in situations that hit 33 C.
“Recharge the batteries,” the 36-year-old mentioned of getting out within the warmth and into the ocean. “Perhaps that’s comes with the older age, however I undoubtedly really feel a distinction.”
Berube steered the travelling media do the identical.
“Get some solar,” he joked. “You guys want it.”
HOLDING PATTERN
The 31-year-old Stolarz — Toronto’s No. 1 crease possibility after a stellar finish to the common season — hasn’t been seen since taking an elbow to the top from Panthers centre Sam Bennett within the sequence opener.
“He’s progressing in the precise course,” Berube mentioned. “He has not skated.”
OFF THE MARK
Matthews has but to attain within the sequence after bagging two targets within the first spherical in opposition to the Ottawa Senators.
Toronto’s captain has directed 32 photographs on course this post-season, second solely to Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon coming into Saturday. He’s additionally missed the web a playoff-topping 20 instances, together with seven wayward efforts during the last three video games.
“Not about wanting on the stat sheet,” Pacioretty mentioned of the Leafs’ first-line centre. “It’s what you do all around the ice and doing the little issues to assist the workforce win.”
PAYING THE PRICE
Toronto defenceman Chris Tanev has taken a beating all through his profession. These playoffs are not any completely different.
The blueliner has blocked 25 photographs by way of 9 video games together with being on the receiving finish of some punishing hits.
Tanev missed time in Friday’s third interval — Berube insisted it was equipment-related and never an damage — however there’s little question the 35-year-old sells out each shift.
“An old-school kind man,” mentioned Berube, a former NHL enforcer. “He’s a warrior … proper up there with all those I’ve been round.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 10, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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