Craig Berube loses his job security as the search for a new leader begins in Toronto
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Craig Berube has no more job security after Brad Treliving was fired and Toronto admitted they have decided to look for a more modern and analytical approach.
Keith Pelley said Toronto wants a modern, analytical approach but Craig Berube runs a slow 'old-school' system and is playing for meaningless points in March.
The new philosophy and the current coach are fundamentally opposites — and everyone knows that needs to change.
The new philosophy and the current coach are fundamentally opposites — and everyone knows that needs to change.
There's a reason that they call it 'old-school'. It worked at one time, though the modern age has passed it by whether it be advancements in technology or philosophy and the exact same applies to the sport of hockey.
Handing the final decision on the bench to the next architect puts every role in jeopardy
'Old-school' is the best way to describe Berube's tactics, as he is a product of an older time where rougher, slower, and tougher hockey reigned supreme. Nowadays however while there's an argument it can be effective, it happens only rarely.
With the Maple Leafs admitting they messed up and looking to change their approach entirely, Berube no longer is secure and his termination is all but assured at this point. Plus, he's kinda out of touch with what the team needs.
Toronto is playing for meaningless points in March when they should be losing as many games as possible. Berube's 'never-say-die' candor regarding the state of the team is quite possibly the most tone-deaf thing he's done — this team needs a future superstar.
That also means the assistants are likely gone as well, but in this brand new era where data trumps devotion; it's a necessary evil.
The mandate for an evidence-based leader signals the end of the 'old-school' loyalty era
It's now time to shift to a numbers-driven approach and that means adding a coach who is much more strategic and focuses on better matchups is the key.
Former Ducks assistant coach Craig Johnson explained why analytics are such an important tool for coaches and why using it to help coach and instruct players can be beneficial:
Feedback is important because maybe the players see it and say, 'I need to create a little more, create positive chances, so I'm on the plus side of that.'
Or if we're not getting enough chances, why? Maybe you're defending too much, so you're not going to be able to create enough offensively because you're a little bit tired.
So, there's different ways you can use those numbers to tweak things, maybe to be a little more aggressive, double the puck more, whatever it is so you can get the puck and have it in the offensive zone more.
Players are smart and see the value of analytics as well. Sometimes the numbers can help them see what they're doing well, and it can give them confidence.
Or if we're not getting enough chances, why? Maybe you're defending too much, so you're not going to be able to create enough offensively because you're a little bit tired.
So, there's different ways you can use those numbers to tweak things, maybe to be a little more aggressive, double the puck more, whatever it is so you can get the puck and have it in the offensive zone more.
Players are smart and see the value of analytics as well. Sometimes the numbers can help them see what they're doing well, and it can give them confidence.
This is the type of coaching the Maple Leafs need. Auston Matthews not getting enough chances? Shift the philosophy mid-game to give him the chances. This is the type of adaptive coaching Toronto needs.
The more information players have to help answer their questions, the likelier they are to improve and make better choices and therefore — better things overall.
It's time to dump the one-track mind of Craig Berube and bring in a voice who can motivate players through hard data, proper strategy and on-the-fly decisions. They have no choice.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Chris Pronger puts the Maple Leafs on notice with his strict conditions for the MLSE to join the front office
Chris Pronger puts the Maple Leafs on notice with his strict conditions for the MLSE to join the front office
Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 31|1245 ANSWERS Craig Berube loses his job security as the search for a new leader begins in Toronto Should Craig Berube be fired now or at the end of the season? | ||
| Now | 434 | 34.9 % |
| End of the season | 811 | 65.1 % |
| List of polls | ||