Craig Berube’s frustration with his Toronto Maple Leafs’ penalty issues continued, but he offered Simon Benoit some understanding for his first of two penalties during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Benoit, penalized for tripping Cody Glass, believed he made a legal defensive play by reaching the puck first before diving. However, referee Dan O’Rourke clarified that new rule changes penalize players if they leave their feet and cause an opponent to fall, regardless of puck contact.
Berube was displeased with the call, arguing that Benoit’s play was clean. Nonetheless, the Maple Leafs have accumulated 14 penalties in their first three games, the second highest in the NHL, with Benoit contributing four of those. Toronto’s penalty troubles were compounded by a lackluster power-play performance, going 0-for-9 so far this season.
Berube highlighted the need for the Leafs to simplify their power-play strategy, moving from excessive passing to a more aggressive approach with shots and rebounds. Despite this, players like William Nylander and Mitch Marner remain confident that the team will improve as the season progresses.
Additionally, the team had to deal with absences, such as John Tavares, who missed the game due to illness. This led to adjustments, including promoting Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the first power-play unit. The Leafs will work on improving both their discipline and power-play efficiency as they prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Kings.
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