Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has implemented a load-management strategy for star forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to optimize their performance and health. Following their participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Berube observed signs of fatigue in both players.
To address this, he has been mindful of their ice time, aiming to keep it under 20 minutes per game when possible. However, in high-penalty situations, their minutes have increased due to their roles on special teams. Berube acknowledged the challenge of limiting their playtime given their importance to the team but emphasized the need to manage their workloads effectively.
Earlier in the season, Berube also made the decision to separate Matthews and Marner onto different lines. This move was driven by the success of Marner’s line with John Tavares and Bobby McMann, which was performing exceptionally well both offensively and defensively. Berube expressed reluctance to disrupt this chemistry, opting instead to keep the lines intact despite Matthews’ return from injury.
These strategic decisions highlight Berube’s commitment to balancing player workloads and maintaining effective line combinations to ensure the Maple Leafs’ success throughout the seas
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