With the Toronto Maple Leafs facing off against the Calgary Flames on the evening of March 17, 2025, head coach Craig Berube's recent decisions are stirring plenty of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Following their disappointing 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators, the urgency for the Maple Leafs to secure a victory has never been more palpable.
The pressure on the team is evident. They find themselves in dire straits, needing every point to improve their standing going forward. To address the struggles, Berube has decided to make some significant lineup changes aimed at reinvigorated motivation and performance.
One of the most talked-about moves is Scott Laughton’s surprising descent to the fourth line. Acquired just recently for a first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin, Laughton’s demotion raised eyebrows, particularly when his role seemed to be integral to the team’s depth and defensive strategy. During Monday’s morning skate, Berube explained the rationale for this move, stating, "Just success we’ve had and the chemistry they have. I wanted to create a line of with Laughton and Lorentz and Jarny, just more of an identity line." It seems Berube is seeking to establish more defensive reliability with Laughton now playing with Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok.
Returning to the first line are franchise stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who were reunited along with Matthew Knies. This combination is widely recognized as the team's most potent attacking unit. Meanwhile, Pontus Holmberg has been moved to play with John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line. Through these efforts, Berube hopes to rekindle some of the offensive potency the Leafs have been missing during their recent struggles.
Despite putting faith back in Matthews and Marner together, it has been hard to overlook the offensive challenges both players have faced. Matthews managed to break his three-game goalless streak against Ottawa, but the team’s overall attacking capabilities still leave much to be desired. Berube acknowledged the need for his players to step up, pointing out, "We need him to play 200 feet. He’s got to keep shooting"—emphasizing the importance of Matthews regaining his scoring touch.
The Maple Leafs lineup adjustments have drawn scrutiny, particularly with Max Domi set to center the third line alongside Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson. Domi’s inconsistent performances this season had already raised questions among fans and analysts alike, which has amplified concerns about the effectiveness of this arrangement. The struggles of Domi are hard to ignore, and many believe Laughton would be more suitably positioned higher up the lines to make use of his skill set acquired through trade.
Reflecting on the need for improvement, Berube has previously stated: "It is an attitude we have to have from the start of the game. You have to hold your players accountable, and they have to hold themselves accountable." With the stakes being higher than ever, such messages resonate strongly through the team's leadership as they try to instill urgency within the roster.
The Leafs organization is hopeful these changes will be the catalyst needed to mount their comeback against the struggling Calgary Flames, who possess their own issues after underwhelming results this season. The Leafs are heavily favored going against the Flames, and this probability shows the confidence the organization has, pushing for this team to get back on track.
The anticipation builds as fans look forward to the 7:30 p.m. ET matchup. If Berube's lineup changes spark the intended fire, the Maple Leafs could very well capitalize on this opportunity to improve their chances for the upcoming playoffs. A win could simultaneously bolster team morale and appease anxious supporters.
Regardless of the outcome, Berube’s decisions will be heavily analyzed and critiqued. The team can only hope this reminder of pressure results positively for their playoff aspirations. A return to winning form may help alleviate the growing frustrations of not only the coaching staff but their loyal fanbase too. With spring's arrival, the stakes continue to rise for the NHL teams vying for the coveted playoff spots, and the Maple Leafs are certainly no exception.
