‘A Lazy Hockey’: Blues Beat Leafs in Berube’s Return to St. Louis After Firing

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TORONTO - Craig Berube experienced a whirlwind of emotions on Thursday morning.

The head coach of the Maple Leafs was preparing to face off against the St. Louis Blues, the team he guided to its only Stanley Cup win in 2019, before they let him go last December. After a lackluster performance just two nights earlier, Berube was eager for a strong comeback from his players. He even shared a light moment with reporters, playfully admitting he wasn’t sure where his championship ring was.

However, the mood shifted dramatically by the end of the game. Following a disheartening 5-1 defeat, Berube appeared visibly frustrated. The Leafs struggled again, plagued by defensive errors and offensive inefficiency.

"Our whole team's getting a little cute," he remarked. "We just have to play direct."

The game started poorly for Toronto, as they failed to clear the net on the Blues' first goal. Joseph Woll, making his season debut after returning from a groin injury, faced a power-play goal from Dylan Holloway, who was left unmarked in front of the net.

As the game progressed, Berube grew increasingly agitated, especially after St. Louis scored again in the second period. This goal stemmed from a questionable play by Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe, who attempted to maneuver the puck between his legs.

"Just not doing things right," Berube said, reflecting on his time with the Blues. "It was lazy hockey."

Auston Matthews, the captain of the Leafs, acknowledged the need for improvement. "We just need to be better," he stated. "We need to be in the right spots, fill our positions, and check more effectively."

Early in the third period, William Nylander lost possession of the puck, leading to a quick counterattack from St. Louis. Jake Neighbours capitalized on the turnover, extending the lead to 4-1.

"We’ve definitely taken a dip," Nylander admitted. "It’s up to me and the rest of the team to step up."

Despite discussing the need to bounce back from a previous 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team failed to deliver. Matthews, who scored 69 goals last season but has only three so far, remarked, "Two games in a row, we just haven’t been good enough. We were light on pucks, didn’t win battles, and lost at the net front."

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson pointed to a lack of defensive intensity after allowing 11 goals in two games. "I don't think that's gonna cut it," he said. "That's where it starts."

The players were also disappointed in their performance, especially on a night when Berube was looking for a strong showing from the team. "We should have been better for him," Nylander said.

Berube, however, emphasized that everyone, including himself, needed to take responsibility. "You're going to go through tough times," he explained. "We've all got to be better."

STRUGGLING POWER PLAY

Toronto's power play, which boasts considerable talent, continued to falter, dropping to 3-for-27 after failing to convert on three opportunities. "We're just not generating enough and not on the same page," Matthews said. "That's been the story throughout the first eight games. It’s hard to gain momentum when that’s not working."

SUPPORT FOR BINNER

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is being considered for a spot on Canada’s roster for the upcoming NHL 4 Nations tournament in February. St. Louis head coach Craig Bannister highlighted Binnington’s competitiveness and skill, saying, "Binner's going to be there at the end. He’s going to be a guy that pushes. He’s not going to give up that spot."

INJURY UPDATES

Before the game, Berube provided updates on his injured players. Max Pacioretty is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, while Calle Jarnkrok, who is on long-term injured reserve, has not yet begun skating. Rookie center Fraser Minten, recovering from a high ankle sprain, participated in Thursday’s morning skate.

"He's been working hard," Berube said. "He's going to be a good player, and we're looking forward to getting him back on the ice."