Craig Berube addressed the media after the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken, which improved the team’s record to 6-4-1.
On the team’s performance:
Good effort. I didn’t think we had our usual jump. We were a little off there, but I thought we played a smart game. The goalie was good. A lot of good things.
On William Nylander’s two-goal performance after publicly stating his desire to play more minutes:
Well, Willy has played good hockey for us this year. I don’t have a problem with his game. Ice time is ice time. I try to use my bench as best I can. I think everybody is important. I try to manage the bench that way. People have roles. I use them in those roles.
Willy played a good game tonight. The line was really good for us again.
On a second consecutive good game for the Pacioretty – Tavares – Nylander line:
Pacioretty is a physical player. He is getting in there and creating a lot of space for these guys. JT is really strong on the puck and is doing a good job there. Willy puts it in the net. It is a pretty solid line.
On the importance of the late-first-period goal by Matthew Knies:
It always [is important]. I don’t know the percentage in this league, but scoring first is very important. Good play; just a smart play by our captain off the draw, understanding and recognizing the situation. He made a heads-up play, and they scored. It was a big goal.
On how the Knies goal changed the coach’s message at the first intermission:
I was happy about the goal, but I didn’t feel we had our legs. We weren’t skating like we normally do. There were a couple of other issues that I thought we needed to clean up. That is what I talked about.
On Joseph Woll’s mental approach coming back from injury:
I think he probably approaches the season like he does anything, getting ready for the season in the summer. I wasn’t here before, so I have no clue.
This guy is dialed in. Watching him daily, he is very professional and very on top of what he needs to do to be ready to play. I have a hard time answering that question, to be honest with you.
On John Tavares’ start to the season:
Pretty solid. Before he got sick, he was fine. The sickness affected him energy-wise — he lost 10 pounds — through three games or more. But he has been solid. Heavy on pucks. Strong on the puck. Heavy stick. Doing the little things right. Faceoffs. A lot of good stuff.
He has been around a long time. He is a good player.
