Craig Berube recently shared insights on Jake McCabe's performance following his return from injury, stating, "He was elite for us... He’s still working his way back."
As the team gears up for their game against the Winnipeg Jets this Saturday, Berube addressed various topics including the formidable challenge posed by the Jets, the positives from their overtime loss against Vegas, the current status of William Nylander, and the decision to have Dennis Hildeby as the starting goalie.
So, what is the team's mindset after a brief meeting earlier today in preparation for an early game tonight?
Berube answered, "We have a significant chance to transform this into a really successful road trip. We've demonstrated solid hockey throughout this trip, and it's crucial that we finish strong tonight."
The Jets are coming off a significant victory, making them a tough opponent, especially on home ice. They have improved their performance significantly and boast a large, powerful lineup. Berube pointed out, "Their top line is definitely a threat, and their goaltender is exceptional. We will need to effectively manage the play against their leading forwards, and we must elevate our game to compete with their goalie tonight. He is skilled, so securing second and third chances around the net will be essential."
How much focus did you place on the positives from the Vegas game when speaking to the players today?
"A considerable amount," Berube emphasized. "There were numerous commendable aspects in our match against a strong team at their home venue. It was unfortunate not to leave with two points, but we executed many good plays. While we do need to address our mistakes, it’s equally important to highlight the positives and continue building on them."
He continued, "Our puck management has been impressive lately—starting from our own zone, making effective plays while exiting our zone, and navigating through the neutral zone. I felt our offensive zone puck play was excellent against Vegas, creating a wealth of opportunities, with even more chances that narrowly missed. Our overall game has significantly improved due to our puck management."
Against a team like Winnipeg, Berube noted the importance of being physical in their own zone and at the net front. "They are a big team that excels at getting to the net. They rank among the top teams in the league for deflections. This will be a critical aspect of tonight's game; given their combination of size and skill, it is vital that we perform well in protecting our net. That will be a key factor."
Reflecting on the progress made over the last month, what specific changes have you observed in the team's play?
Berube replied, "We have improved our defensive play significantly. Our puck management is much better, which is a major factor, and our power play has started to find the net more often. Those three areas stand out to me."
What are your thoughts on Jake McCabe's recent performance?
"He’s been playing as he normally does," Berube described. "Since returning from his injury, he's beginning to regain the form he displayed prior to getting hurt. He was exceptional for us before the injury, and while he’s still finding his rhythm, he’s on the right track."
What can you tell us about Dennis Hildeby as he prepares for tonight’s start?
Berube expressed his satisfaction with Hildeby’s previous performance against Winnipeg, saying, "I was impressed when he stepped in during our last match against them. In the recent game against Utah, our team collectively didn't perform well, which impacted him. He faced a lot of pressure but made numerous outstanding saves."
He continued, "As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve seen significant growth in his game. He’s gaining confidence and becoming more familiar with the league. I’m pleased with the progress he’s made."
Have you considered keeping three goalies on the NHL roster?
Berube acknowledged, "That’s a valid question. It’s something we’ll likely discuss in the future, although we haven’t yet. I’m optimistic that Stolarz is getting closer to returning, which is promising. We’ll evaluate his situation and determine our next steps."
Is there any update on William Nylander?
Berube responded, "Currently, I don’t anticipate him being available for today’s game, and probably not for Monday either. I'm unsure of the duration of his absence."
