Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves met with reporters Thursday ahead of the upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues. Reaves spent the first seven years of his career with the Blues and it’s an elevated game for the Maple Leafs, as head coach Craig Berube is a seeking a win against his former team.
The team is looking ahead to Thursday’s game, but Reaves was asked about a potential rematch against New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe. Reaves and Rempe squared off last season in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year, but nothing came to fruition Saturday during the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 loss.
“I told him if you go out and do something, I’ll give him one. He buried his own player, that’s about it. Not much going on,” Reaves told reporters after Monday’s morning skate.
Reaves, along with Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, spoke about the importance of getting a win for Berube against his former club.
“Those games are always a little more special. Players, coaches, it doesn’t matter. A team that gets rid of you, you always want to win, especially when it’s the first one.”
Reaves also spoke about what he’s enjoyed about playing under Berube, through the opening games of the regular season.
“His style of play he’s bringing to this team. A little more hard-nosed. I think that’s the main thing. I think we play a little harder here right down the lineup.”
Reaves has suited up for five of Toronto’s seven contests, delivering 14 hits, but he’s still without a point to begin the season. Berube has emphasized physicality throughout the lineup and it’s an asset that stands out for a Maple Leafs team that is making a more concerted effort on doing the simple things well.
It will be an emotionally charged game for Berube and the Maple Leafs, as Reaves and company will look to get a measure of redemption for their head coach.
