Maple Leafs coach: 'We're in the NHL. Let's have some fun.'

Breadcrumb Trail Links

Lineup changes possible as team heads to Nashville take face Predators on Saturday

Get the latest from Terry Koshan straight to your inbox Sign Up

Published Dec 19, 2025 • 2 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube looks on from the bench with Bobby McMann (74), William Nylander (88) and John Tavares (91). The Canadian PressArticle content

Craig Berube had a simple message for his reeling Maple Leafs on Friday.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors

Article content

“I just said ‘Guys, we’re in the NHL. Let’s have some fun,’” Berube told media in Washington following practice. “We’re still OK. We have to string some wins together and put ourselves in a better spot.

Article content

“You love this game. We all do. That’s why we do it. You have to enjoy it. You have to have that attitude. Go and play. Play the game. You guys have played it forever. Can’t be tentative.”

Whether the Leafs will apply Berube’s missive, we’re not going to have to wait long to find out.

With losses in three of their past four games — including a dreadful 4-0 fall against the Washington Capitals on Thursday — the Leafs will attempt to right the ship on Saturday night in Nashville against a Predators team that was in second-last place in the National Hockey League before Friday. It won’t be easy, nothing is, as the Predators have been a bit better lately, winning six of their past 11 games.

Your Midday Sun

Thanks for signing up!

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

As bad vibes take hold around the Leafs and questions about Berube’s future continue to swirl, there could be a couple of lineup changes on Saturday.

Calle Jarnkrok skated on the fourth line at practice on Friday, while defenceman Philippe Myers was alongside Morgan Rielly on the blue line. Scratches from the game in Washington would be winger Steven Lorentz and defenceman Henry Thrun.

As the Leafs sat four points out of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference prior to Friday, and with zero consistency in the team’s play, Rielly acknowledged to media in Washington that his belief in the team is “constantly being tested.”

‘Look in the mirror’

The Leafs are also just one point ahead of conference basement dwellers Buffalo and Columbus.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“It’s a challenge, but it’s extremely important to keep the belief and that mentality that we are able to play with anyone and win on any night,” Rielly said. “I don’t think you can let one game or one stretch change that entirely. But there are times when everyone has to look in the mirror and give more.

“It’s a challenge when you give an effort in a game that you’re not proud of. It’s important that you bounce back and you come with an attitude that you’re here to get better. We’re not happy with (the effort in Washington), but we’re going to move on and build.

“No one is feeling sorry for themselves.”

What has to change on the ice?

“Let’s skate, let’s get after it,” Berube said. “We have to play with more jump in our game and confidence. Mistakes are going to happen. Let’s make them (from) being aggressive.

“As a coach, my job is to try to get them to be more attack-mode and be on their toes more, and that’s what the meeting this morning was about.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

Maple Leafs coach: ‘We’re in the NHL. Let’s have some fun.’

Tags: