Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube makes his feelings extremely clear on Bobby McMann’s high-sticking suspension

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made his frustration clear after Bobby McMann received a one-game suspension for high-sticking Oliver Bjorkstrand on Monday. The NHL ruled that McMann’s stick made careless contact, but Berube disagreed with the call.

Berube believes the play looked accidental and came from a bump that lifted McMann’s stick.

"We lose a guy for probably a month at least," Berube said. "There’s nothing. And that hurt. I thought it was more of him getting bumped and his stick (came up). I know you gotta be in control of your stick, but I don’t think it’s worth a suspension."

McMann will miss Thursday’s game against the Sharks. He is set to return Saturday when Toronto faces the Oilers. His absence creates an opening for Nicholas Robertson or Matias Maccelli to rejoin the lineup.

McMann has been a strong depth piece this season. He has eight goals and six assists in 29 games. His speed and pressure on the forecheck help drive play in limited minutes, making him a useful bottom-six option. Across his career, McMann has 43 goals and 30 assists in 169 NHL games, and he has built his role through effort on this team.

Meanwhile, the Leafs sit at 14-11-4 and continue to battle through a tough start. Their scoring remains on a good pace, with William Nylander leading the team in points (32). John Tavares leads in goals (13) and continues to produce in tight moments.

Toronto will look for others to step up until he returns on Saturday.

Leafs' Craig Berube praised his team for win against Lightning

The Maple Leafs earned a controlled 2-0 win over the Lightning on Monday, powered by Dennis Hildeby’s first NHL shutout. Toronto opened the scoring at 16:26 with Morgan Rielly’s goal.

The Leafs held the lead and captain Auston Matthews sealed it at 19:59 of the third, hitting the empty net for a 2-0 final. Hildeby stopped 29 shots for the win.

After the game, head coach Craig Berube credited the team’s structure and checking.

"Solid game, Goalie was good," Berube said. Overall, I think we did a good job. They’re a talented group over there. I think we did a good job of limiting them of real high quality chances.

"I thought our checking game was good tonight. Just structure, defending the middle of the ice against them...It wasn’t a high event game, but I’m OK with that.”

Toronto has now gone 4-0-1 in its last five, leaning on patience and strong defensive details to climb in the standings.