The Toronto Maple Leafs began their preseason with a tough 6-5 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, marking head coach Craig Berube’s debut behind the bench. Berube didn’t mince words in his post-game remarks, criticizing his team for a sluggish start and overly cautious play. “In the first period, we were just slow,” Berube told the Canadian Press. “We didn’t move the puck quickly enough, which is why we only had two shots. We need to be better.”

The Leafs managed just two shots on goal in the first period and were down 3-1 after two periods. Berube further noted, “We didn’t want to shoot enough and tried to be too cute at times.” Though the team showed improvement later on, forcing overtime, Berube emphasized the need for a more direct style of play moving forward. “We got better at times, but it’s still training camp. We need to clean up our puck play and be more direct in how we want to play,” he stated via Maple Leafs Hot Stove.

Despite the team’s performance, Berube praised veteran forward Max Pacioretty, who impressed with two goals and an assist in the third period. “I thought he had a solid game,” Berube said of Pacioretty. “He was strong, physical, and did a lot of good things. He stood out to me, but like everyone, there are still things he can clean up.”