Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube confirms lineup changes coming

Craig Berube

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube confirms lineup changes coming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed that some lineup changes are coming in the near future, following a 3-5 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Berube was asked whether he plans to give more young players opportunities in what remains of the regular season, and the coach confirmed that it is indeed his plan.

"Given what you've seen from some of the young guys, do you think there's going to be another opportunity for some of the other young guys you had on this trip?" the coach was asked after the game against the Islanders.

He responded, "Yeah, I do believe so. We'll look at getting one or two other guys in there for sure. I'm also wondering if you've got enough."

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube praises Easton Cowan's work ethic

One of the success stories of young players gradually introduced into the main roster this season is forward Easton Cowan.

In 63 games played, Cowan, 20, has recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for a total of 27 points. When asked about his performance, Berube gave a simple answer: the kid works.

"I mean, he just works, you know, more than anything," Toronto's head coach said. "Very intelligent player, but he puts work in, you know, he puts the work in. He's a worker. I always call work before skill a lot of times, and I think he's kind of grabbed that side of things. So Easton's, he works and skates and gets rewarded."

Toronto hosts Florida on Saturday, April 11, at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET, before playing against Dallas and Ottawa in the final two games of the regular season.

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