Easton Cowan's Minutes Cut in Leafs' Win Over Rangers, and Craig Berube Explains Why
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton | Imagn Images
Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed that his decision to limit Easton Cowan's minutes in the third period on Thursday night was not related to his performance.
20-year-old rookie Easton Cowan has not looked out of place skating next to Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the Leafs' top line this week.
Through three games, it's been a mixed bag for Cowan, who has created chances, collected his first NHL point and was dangerously shoved into his own goal post this week.
The rookie forward also had a great opportunity to net his first NHL goal on Thursday night.
The 2023 first-round pick has done all the little things right, earning praise from his head coach and his linemates.
Easton Cowan Benched in Third Period
On Thursday, however, in a tight-checking game against the New York Rangers, Cowan saw his ice-time reduced by more than two minutes, seeing very limited action in the third period and overtime.
Following the Leafs' overtime win, Berube explained that his decision to reduce Cowan's minutes was not specifically related to any performance issues, but rather game management.
"It was about the game, in general, more than anything. I thought our team may have lacked a little energy tonight. I was trying to find some lines and some energy together. That's all."
Craig Berube Being Cautious With Cowan
The Leafs' bench boss went on to say that the club has played a lot of hockey to begin the season, and subtly hinted that he is trying to be cautious with Cowan so he doesn't burn out early in the season.
"It's been a lot of hockey here. We obviously play on Saturday again. We have to summon some energy here for that game."
Some may see Berube's reasoning as questionable, given Cowan's age and young legs, but the adjustment from junior hockey to the NHL is quite drastic and we have seen rookies from other teams burn out midway through the season after being relied on too much in October and November.
With the Olympics in February and a condensed schedule leading up to it, the Leafs, like every other team, will have to find a balance between optimizing performance and ensuring players remain fresh.
That being said, Cowan should remain in his spot on the Leafs' top line for Saturday's game against the Seattle Kraken.
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