Comments From Head Coach Craig Berube Show Leafs' Primary Focus in Game 5

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has already confirmed that the team will have no lineup changes for Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators tonight, going with the same players and combinations that led to a loss in Game 4.

While he had hoped to close out the series with a four-game sweep, Berube is cautioning against his players getting ahead of themselves.

Berube, who was not a fan of Max Domi's penalty in Game 4, told reporters that it's not closing out the series that his players need to focus on, it's what needs to be done on the ice to make that happen that should get their full attention.

While Berube wants to make sure his players focus on what's important, he also knows they are raring to get on the ice for Game 5. The opportunity to put the final nail in the coffin of the Ottawa Senators has made some players anxious to get going.

While the game still needs to be played, and won, the prospect of some rest before going back at it again in Round 2 is excellent motivation to get the series over with as quickly as possible.

At the same time, patience is needed to make sure things get done the right way. It appears Berube has full confidence in his players to get the job done and move on to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Tensions are likely to run high after the NHL's Department of Player Safety decided not to punish Ottawa's Artem Zub for a head shot on John Tavares. But, Leafs players will need to keep their emotions in check, and remember that winning is the best revenge.