Leafs HC Craig Berube makes thoughts extremely clear about Ryan Reaves' fight-less season so far

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made his thoughts very clear about enforcer Ryan Reaves' fight-less season so far during practice on Monday.

When asked about Ryan Reaves' season, Berube responded bluntly.

"Am I surprised? Not really. There are not many fights anywhere, right? This guy has been a heavyweight in this league for quite some time. There are not a lot of takers," Berube stated.

He went on to praise Reaves' overall play this season, saying:

"I think he has played good hockey for us. He is what he is, right? He doesn’t try to complicate it. He is physical. He has been a physical player every game for us. I love his energy, and I love him in the locker room."

The Leafs currently sit in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 27-15-2 record after a disappointing 3-0 shutout loss against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

When asked if being on top of the standings halfway through the season has made the team less hungry, Berube pushed back.

"At this time of year, it is a tough stretch for everybody. It has always been that way. We just have to dig in a little bit more," he stated.

Berube noted that while the team had good puck possession in the offensive zone during the game against Vancouver, it was mostly on the perimeter. Berube stressed the importance of more attempts at the net with players positioned near the goal.

Craig Berube discusses facing defensive teams next

The Leafs are facing a tough stretch of games against stout defensive opponents. Coming up on the schedule are the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, New Jersey Devils on Thursday and Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

When asked about the challenge of facing these defensive-minded teams, head coach Craig Berube emphasized the need for hard work and discipline.

"Yeah, very good. They don’t give up much. We have to work for our offense, play the right way, and at the same time, make sure we are defending well. Take what they give you," Craig Berube stated.

“It was a tough game in Dallas. I expect the same tomorrow," Berube added.

He specifically highlighted the Stars as a very good opponent after playing a tight game (5-3 win on Dec 18) against them earlier this season on the road.