The Toronto Maple Leafs’ recent performances against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday highlight an emerging trend: their ability to grind out close wins, even in games where they might not be at their best. On one hand, this resilience could be seen as a promising sign of playoff readiness. On the other, it raises questions about whether the team’s shift to a more defensively-focused, low-scoring style might hinder their regular-season dominance.
Is this kind of game what Maple Leafs fans should expect from Craig Berube teams?
Maple Leafs’ Close Wins: Playoff Readiness or Regular Season a Concern?One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the Maple Leafs this season is whether their recent trend of close wins reflects a deeper issue—or if it’s a sign of a team ready to make a postseason push. This is a team that, for better or worse, fans aren’t accustomed to seeing. It’s different from the high-flying, goal-scoring juggernaut we’ve become used to. Instead, these Maple Leafs are grinding out wins in ways that may remind us of the gritty, defense-first style often associated with teams coached by Berube.
But here’s the bigger question: Is this a characteristic of a Berube-style team—more focused on suffocating opponents and finding ways to win in tight games—or is it just the Maple Leafs finding new ways to get the job done? And, perhaps most importantly, is this a good thing? As the regular season progresses and the playoffs loom on the horizon, the answer to this question will become clearer. Are these close wins an encouraging sign of playoff readiness, or are they a potential red flag for the grind of an 82-game season?
The game against New Jersey exemplified the Maple Leafs’ ability to hang tough against a higher-caliber opponent. Despite being outshot and under pressure, they secured a win by limiting mistakes and capitalizing on key opportunities. Meanwhile, the Anaheim game was a tighter contest than expected against a rebuilding team, but Toronto’s defensive composure allowed them to eke out a 3-2 victory.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of this pattern:
CriteriaGoodBadDefensive StructureThriving in tight-checking games; composure under pressure.Reliance on low-event hockey may reduce offensive firepower.ResilienceWinning games they previously might have lost.Risk of fatigue or burnout in players due to constant high-pressure play.Playoff PreparationAdapting to a playoff-style mentality where every play matters.Could struggle to dominate weaker teams, leading to dropped points.Regular-Season ImpactBuilding confidence through hard-fought wins.May miss opportunities to build standings cushion with big wins. Is This Style Sustainable for the Maple Leafs?The Maple Leafs’ shift toward a grind-it-out, defensively-tight approach could pay dividends come playoff time, where games are often decided by the thinnest of margins. However, during the regular season, the style that Berube is coaching might leave less room for error, especially against weaker teams where dominating performances could allow for better lineup rotation and rest.
As the team prepares for the season’s second half, the focus will be on finding a balance. Can they maintain this defensive intensity while unlocking more offensive potential? Their ability to do so will determine if these close wins are a sign of playoff readiness or a signal to address underlying concerns. For now, the Maple Leafs’ ability to succeed under pressure offers a glimpse of what could come this spring.
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