In playoff hockey, every decision matters — but behind the bench is where a series can be won or lost. Head coach Craig Berube delivered a tactical clinic in Game 1 of the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ first-round matchup against the Ottawa Senators. The 6-2 win wasn’t just a result of star power or special teams — it was the product of precise matchup management, defensive structure, and calm tempo control. Berube didn’t just coach the game. He directed it.
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From the opening faceoff, it was clear that Berube wasn’t interested in letting Ottawa dictate terms. He read head coach Travis Green’s plan and shredded it, using well-timed line changes, shutdown roles, and physical matchups to dismantle the Senators’ most dangerous offensive weapons.
Match-Up One: Matthews vs. Stützle – A Clear Matthews Victory
One of the central questions heading into the series was how Auston Matthews would fare against Ottawa’s most dynamic playmaker, Tim Stützle. In Game 1, Berube clarified his intentions: Matthews would take that challenge head-on. The result was a dominant performance.
By consistently deploying Matthews against Stützle’s line, Berube gave his best player a chance to score and smother. Stützle was held to minimal impact, his speed and creativity neutralized by Matthews’ complete three-zone game. Matthews recorded two key assists, but his defensive awareness, physical presence, and patience defined this matchup. He didn’t just out-statistic Stützle — he outplayed him mentally and physically.
Match-Up Two: Tavares vs. Ottawa’s Depth – A Tactical Neutralization
While Ottawa’s top line draws the most attention, one of the Senators’ strengths lies in their depth down the middle. Players like Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig are young, but this season, they have changed games with momentum shifts, particularly if left unchecked. Berube had a plan: deploy John Tavares as a tactical stopper and make life miserable for the bottom six.
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Tavares put two numbers on the scoresheet, but his fingerprints were all over the game. He won key faceoffs, disrupted passing lanes, and shut down Ottawa’s secondary scoring. With coaching precision, Berube matched Tavares against Ottawa’s depth centers, turning what could have been a balanced threat into a one-line team. The result was a quiet night from the Senators’ supporting cast — and a comfortable win for the Maple Leafs.
Match-Up Three: McCabe & Tanev vs. Tkachuk – Physicality Controlled
No one embodies Ottawa’s physical, emotional energy more than Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk can flip a game with his aggression, net-front chaos, and leadership if allowed to run wild. But Berube didn’t give him the chance. His answer? A steady dose of Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev.
Toronto’s shutdown duo hounded Tkachuk from shift one. They cut off his routes to the net, eliminated space in the corners, and matched his physicality without losing discipline. At the end of the game, Tkachuk had been held off the scoresheet. Even better, from the Maple Leafs’ perspective, he was visibly frustrated. He even took a careless penalty that stalled a potential push. This wasn’t just good defence — it was targeted dismantling. Berube knew that if Tkachuk couldn’t be the heartbeat of the Senators, Ottawa would probably not find a pulse.
Final Thoughts: Berube’s Blueprint Worked to a T
Craig Berube’s Game 1 plan was brilliant. He didn’t just let his stars shine — he created the conditions for them to succeed by limiting Ottawa’s strengths at every turn. His choices behind the bench affected every line change, every zone exit, every cycle battle.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Core Four Delivered Strong Showing When it Mattered Most.
To sum it up in three steps. Step One was Matthews vs. Stützle. In a clear win, Matthews controlled. Step Two was Tavares vs. the Senators’ depth centers. Tavares silenced the young Ottawa core down the middle. Step Three was McCabe and Tanev vs. Tkachuk. The Senators’ captain was shut out and worn down.
The Maple Leafs sent a message with the Game 1 win. Under Berube, Toronto isn’t just talented. They’re tactically dangerous. Now the question is: Could it make all the difference in a long Stanley Cup playoff run?
