Head Coach Craig Berube Reveals His Favorite Maple Leafs Line

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Chris Gerics
October 19, 2024 (3:23 PM)

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It's a smooth ride so far for Craig Berube, at least in terms of offense as the Maple Leafs' BMW line has emerged as a deadly threat; and it's driving their success.

With all the anticipation around how Auston Matthews will build upon his historic 69-goal season last year and how his linemates are primed to have a breakout year, it's been the Maple Leafs' second unit showing the most surprise, and the most offense; and it's the reason behind Toronto's hot start to the season.

Affectionately known as the BMW Line (Named for both their first name initials and the fact they drive the Maple Leafs offense) the trio of Bobby McMann, Max Domi, and William Nylander have shown an incredible amount of chemistry so far, combining for six goals and 12 points while also being a +17 on the ice. They're scoring in bunches and keeping pace with opponents and shutting them out, something head coach Craig Berube has taken notice of:

«Good speed. They used their speed well, I thought,» Berube told media at Saturday morning's optional skate. «Created space, had some real good O-zone time in the game, and they capitalized on their chances, and I thought they were solid defensively.»

It feels like the O-zone time comment was a bit understated, as when the trio are on the ice it feels like the minutes tick away and Toronto has had a field day passing, getting shots on net, and controlling the zone whether it's the first ten seconds or two minutes into a shift. Domi's immediate chemistry with Nylander, and his propensity to be a pass-first playmaker, Nylander has a bevy of chances to improve on his back-to-back 40-goal seasons.

So far, Nylander and McMann share the lead with goals on the team with three apiece, meanwhile Domi has been lights out with five assists so far tying Mitch Marner on the team for points. Considering that it's taken awhile for Auston Matthews and company to get going, this is a huge positive for the Maple Leafs while they start to get the ball rolling and being such a high +/- is a big indicator that this trio isn't a one-trick pony and just good offensively, but being able to shutdown opponent's second unit is crucial, especially come playoff time.

Given Toronto's arsenal of offensive threats, the emergence of this second-line powerhouse is a huge boost to a team looking to end a 56-year Stanley Cup drought and become the catalyst for a smooth ride into a Championship win.

Seatbelts everyone!