Craig Berube Makes Last-Minute Lineup Change Ahead Of Stars Matchup
Craig Berube made another change to his lineup as he tries to add a bit more grit and defense to his blueline ahead of a tough game against the Dallas Stars.
It's not out of the norm for Craig Berube to have one lineup set to go before making a change the day of; even sometimes minutes before a game. If the coach has a gut feeling, he's going to follow it.
There's a lot of shuffling due to players coming back from injury, or struggling a bit. But coming off a shaky start against Buffalo, and looking toward a tough Dallas Stars team, he made a change on his blueline swapping Philippe Myers out for Simon Benoit.
The news was relayed by David Alter of The Hockey News on X.
Simon Benoit Earns The Call Against Dallas
After a shaky start himself where he was scratched to reset his focus, Simon Benoit has been one of Toronto's better defensemen since his return to the lineup.
Recently becoming a father this summer, Benoit looked a step or two out of sync compared to last season, leading to a healthy scratch to give him a bit of rest. Since getting himself in order, Benoit looks much more engaged, throwing more hits and being the nuisance on the ice Toronto needs him to be.
It could have had a bit to do with Jani Hakanpaa potentially threatening his spot, but he hasn't played for a few weeks while still dealing with a knee issue, but with how Benoit has been it'll be hard to see him just lose his spot so easily.
So far this season, Benoit has three assists in 29 games along with 70 hits and 47 blocked shots, being a big part of Toronto's revamped defense.
Toronto will need Benoit to be at his best when they take on Dallas.
The notoriously tough Stars will be looking to build on their dominant start to the season and have no shortage of firepower.
Toronto heads down South on Wednesday night to face Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars. The puck is scheduled to be dropped at 7:30pm ET.
