Craig Berube Reveals Why He Benched Easton Cowan Against the Rangers
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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is constantly being tasked with some tough decisions, especially when it comes to rookie forward Easton Cowan.
If you were watching the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers last night, you probably didn't see much of Easton Cowan late in the match.
He was mostly absent late in the third period, and we didn't see him during the overtime period either.
This had some fans worried that the forward was already being demoted early on in his Toronto Maple Leafs tenure. Thankfully, it wasn't that serious.
Craig Berube on Easton Cowan missing the third period
While speaking with reporters, Craig Berube made it clear that it was a matchup issue and that he just wanted to inject some energy.
It was about the game, in general, more than anything. I thought our team may have lacked a little energy tonight. I was trying to find some lines and some energy together. That's all.
Moreover, with the Maple Leafs taking on the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, he wanted to save some of Cowan's energy for that game, which is very understandable.
It's been a lot of hockey here. We obviously play on Saturday again. We have to summon some energy here for that game.
Cowan has one point in three games so far, but he has certainly had his fair share of scoring opportunities. He looks prime and ready for that first NHL goal.
If he can get it against the Kraken, that would certainly go a very long way toward building his confidence on the first line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
As for Craig Berube, he will have to continue to manage Cowan, who's development is a top priority in Toronto right about now.
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