The 4 Nations Face-Off was a real treat for fans, delivering some of the most intense hockey they’ve recently seen. The final game between the USA and Canada lived up to all the hype, with both teams playing hard, with pride on the line. It was a thrilling game from start to finish.
But while it was exciting for fans, what about for the players? With the potential for injury and no real rest for those star players who played that game, the lack of time off might have taken a toll. How did it impact the teams who sent players to the international competition?
Specifically, what are the team’s head coaches thinking? Do they see any actual benefit to the players? Do the players come out of the experience better—or worse—than before? That question was specifically asked of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. What did he have to say?
The 4 Nations Experience and Its Impact
In the video above, Berube chatted with analysts on the Real Kyper & Bourne show about how the 4 Nations Face-Off benefitted Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. He believe it had a positive impact. Playing in high-pressure games like this helped his stars elevate their games, giving them valuable experience that’ll stick with them in the long run.
The conversation suggested that it was kind of like what Darryl Sittler said about his own Canada Cup experience. He remembers scoring that overtime winner against Czechoslovakia and how that moment took his game to a whole new level. Berube believed he could see something similar happening with Marner this past week. He’s been on fire and didn’t seem to miss a beat. Could this kind of experience be the thing that pushes him and Matthews to the next level?
Berube certainly thinks it could. He mentioned that the intensity and stress level in these tournaments is huge for players. He specifically pointed out Matthews’ solid play, noting that he could’ve won the game for the USA if a couple of things went his way. These high-pressure moments help players grow, especially in formats like the 4 Nations.
Matthews Shines, But Fatigue Is Real
That being said, there’s always the emotional side to consider. After an emotional tournament like that, the risk of mental fatigue sets in. Berube knows this all too well, especially with big-name players like Matthews. Recently, Connor McDavid was asked about the emotional transition after such a big series, and it was a valid concern for Matthews as well. Both those stars are not just the faces of their teams; they’re the faces of the entire league. The constant media attention and pressure can take a toll.
After playing in such a high-stakes tournament, Matthews definitely felt the weight. He and Marner were pretty wiped out after the Canada/USA game, both physically and emotionally. Having a couple of days off between the Boston Bruins game on Tuesday night and tonight’s game against the New York Rangers to recharge was a big help. However, with the Maple Leafs’ compressed schedule, there wasn’t much time for rest.
Managing the Media and Fatigue
From his perspective, Berube noted he’s doing his best to manage the situation. He emphasized keeping things as quiet as possible for Matthews and Marner so they can focus on getting the rest they need. After the intense emotional ride of the 4 Nations, they needed some downtime to recover. The last thing Berube wants is the media frenzy and constant pressure to wear them out.
After immediately returning from the 4 Nations, the back-to-back games didn’t leave them much time to breathe. Fortunately, since Tuesday night’s game, both players have had a chance to recover for tonight’s action. The fact is that Matthews has looked tired on the ice. However, Berube’s hope is that this brief rest will help keep them fresh and focused on what’s next.
At the end of the day, an NHL coach’s job includes creating balance. Berube must ensure Matthews and Marner stay sharp, manage the fatigue, and keep their focus on the long-term goals for the rest of the season. Fans will see tonight whether that was possible when the Maple Leafs take on the Rangers on the road.
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