Craig Berube takes a shot at Sheldon Keefe during press conference
Photo credit: NHL.com
Craig Berube had his first press conference as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs today, where he didn't miss the chance to criticize Sheldon Keefe's leadership.
The Maple Leafs lost another game seven to the Boston Bruins this playoff season. In response, the team replaced Sheldon Keefe, who had been their coach for five years, with Craig Berube, a former Leaf and a Cup-winning coach.
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Craig Berube took on the challenge of coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, drawn by the team's talent and his desire to push them to playoff success. He replaces Sheldon Keefe, who was let go after a disappointing postseason"
Craig Berube took on the challenge of coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, drawn by the team's talent and his desire to push them to playoff success. He replaces Sheldon Keefe, who was let go after a disappointing postseason"
During the press conference, Berube criticized Keefe's coaching strategy, suggesting that Keefe didn't effectively utilize all the players and relied too heavily on a few. Berube emphasized the importance of teamwork and using every player effectively:
"We don't want to be out-worked - ever. It's all about the team. Everybody's important, everybody has to be used, they all have roles. We want to play a north game, be fast, be a heavy team. Not running guys and fighting, but you have to be strong and win puck battles."
Toronto fans had mixed reactions to Berube's comments. Some agreed with his assessment, while others saw it as a collection of clichés that might not be enough to change the team's fortunes.
While it's uncertain how the team will perform in the post-Keefe era, Berube has a strong track record, having led the St. Louis Blues to their first Stanley Cup win in 2019. Toronto fans hope he can bring similar success to the Maple Leafs.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 259 ANSWERS Craig Berube takes a shot at Sheldon Keefe during press conference Will Craig Berube be able to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup win? | ||
| Yes | 88 | 34 % |
| No | 171 | 66 % |
| List of polls | ||
