For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the December schedule has been challenging as the most loaded month thus far with 15 games on the calendar. It gets particularly difficult when the schedule calls for back-to-back games on consecutive weekends.
Last week, the Leafs hosted the Washington Capitals on Friday before traveling to Pittsburgh for a Saturday matchup with the Penguins. Unfortunately, the team dropped both games, leaving them eager to avoid a similar outcome this time around.
This weekend is no different, with the Leafs facing another back-to-back. After a tough 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, the Leafs now turn their attention to the Buffalo Sabres, who will visit Scotiabank Arena for a 5 p.m. puck drop on Sunday.
“Well, we've got numbers here, so we're going to look at the lineup for tomorrow and we'll make a couple of decisions,” said head coach Craig Berube post-game on Saturday – acknowledging the potential for roster adjustments as the team manages the quick turnaround.
When asked about how he’ll navigate his time after the loss to Detroit, on the mistakes made or turning the page to Buffalo, Berube instead said, “I focus on our team a lot. I look at the tape, look at the chances, just look at the situation and stuff. Buffalo, that's all I've been taking care of too, but I'm going to focus on our team.”
As the Leafs look to bounce back, Berube's emphasis seems to remain on the upcoming challenge against the Sabres – and what his team can do better.
For players, they each take a different approach to practices, games, and back-to-backs. Forward Matthew Knies, for instance, plans to keep things simple and take an “ice bath, protein shake, and get right back after it.”
Star winger Mitch Marner, who leads the Maple Leafs in assists (30) and points (40), added his own unique perspective on handling the quick turnaround, referencing his time in junior hockey with the London Knights – who could, at times, play three nights in a row.
“(I go) back to junior hockey, I guess. Just try to get as much recovery as you can here tonight,” said Marner after Saturday's loss.
“Whatever you want to do, however you want to do it. And then obviously try to get to sleep as quickly as you can when we get home tonight. Kind of do your own things throughout the day tomorrow and just get ready for a game.”
However, the Leafs are not the only team facing a back-to-back. In fact, on the other end of the ice on Sunday, the Sabres also played a full 60 minutes against the Capitals in Washington on Saturday, losing 4-2 – which can only benefit the home team.
For Toronto, after a loss to open another back-to-back weekend series for the blue and white, there is little time to dwell, with the Leafs instead looking to regroup and focus on securing a win on home ice – their seventh at Scotiabank Arena in their past eight games.
