Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Stars shine, depth passes, Berube dominates – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leafs
After a pair of frustrating losses, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday night — and in a big way. The Toronto Raptors defeated the Nashville Predators 7-4 at Scotiabank Arena, including a pair of goals from Auston Matthews. It’s not perfect, but it’s loud and lively and exactly what this team needs.
It’s a night where big names appear and newcomers join. Oliver Ekman-Larsson looked like he’d been wearing the blue and white for years, John Tavares finally broke through, and Caden Primeau, fresh off waivers, earned his first win as a Maple Leaf.
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The win not only halted a two-game skid but also gave us a glimpse of what this team can achieve when they combine structure with speed and confidence.
Item 1: Berube’s timeout turned the tide
Perhaps the key moment of the game was when Nashville scored twice in 44 seconds to erase a 2-0 deficit. At that point, given an untested goaltender and recent events, the game felt like it was slipping over the hill again. That’s when Craig Berube stepped in and deliberately called a timeout, resetting the bench and the entire building. He expressed his thoughts “clearly”.
What followed was a calmer, more cohesive Maple Leafs team. They started winning puck battles again, the defense stepped up and they found their rhythm. Berube’s message was simple and poignant, seemed to hit home, and brought the team together. This is a coach using his feelings, with a little anger, to change the momentum. Indeed.
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It was just a moment, but it shows how Berube’s influence is starting to filter into this roster.
Item 2: Tavares finally breaks through
It had been weeks in the making—a mix of good opportunity, bad luck, and quiet frustration. But on this night, Tavares finally got one from the right place. His first goal of the season came on a beautiful pass between William Nylander and Ekman-Larsson, capping a gritty rebound.
This goal was important not only for the scoreboard but also for his confidence. Tavares looked more relaxed after that, his touch with the puck smoother and his timing sharper. You can almost feel the weight lift off his shoulders. Tavares’ rediscovery of his finishing ability in front of the net could make an impact if the Maple Leafs want a winning streak.
Entry 3: An unforgettable night at Primeau
Primeau didn’t expect to start a game for the Maple Leafs so soon, if at all, but the opportunity came quickly. With Joseph Wall leaving for family reasons, the young goalie stepped in and stepped up. His 27 saves weren’t perfect, but they were solid, and he looked a lot more composed than most people thought. His first NHL victory since November 2024.
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It was an impressive debut for a goaltender who had only filed for waivers less than a week ago. Primo tracked the puck well, made key saves in tight situations and looked comfortable behind a team that was still getting its defensive rhythm together. Sometimes a performance like this means more than just a win, it also earns trust.
Item 4: Ekman-Larsson adds balance and impact
Ekman-Larsson’s three-point night (one goal and two assists) is unlikely to be what the front office was hoping for when they signed him. They may want the aging Warrior, who has become more of a shutdown defender than an offensive machine when he scored 21 goals and 55 points for the Arizona Coyotes in 2015-16.
But last night, the veteran defenseman moved the puck, stabilized the back end, and scored some points too. His passes look confident, his reads are sharp, and he seems to bring a calming presence to the blueline.
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When he and Nylander connected on Tavares’ net score, it showed he could fit seamlessly into the team’s offensive structure. OEL, 33, won’t be the flashiest defenseman on the ice, but his sense of timing and composure may be exactly what this lineup is missing.
What’s next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs will now face the New York Rangers on Thursday night, a team that has been eliminated three times this season. The team needs to continue to build on what worked – balanced scoring, structure and good enough goalkeeping – before things get tight again later this month.
This win doesn’t solve everything, but it reminds fans of what this team is like when it’s playing, not chasing games.
