Maple Leafs' Plan for Easton Cowan: Coach Craig Berube Explains the Hold-Up

With the second regular season game on tap tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they are going with the same lineup that earned the 5-2 victory over Montreal on Wednesday night, which means we won't be seeing Easton Cowan's debut quite yet.

Cowan and forward Sammy Blais were seen rotating in and out of the line rushes yesterday, which was a good indication that the lineup would remain the same.

Despite a strong training camp, the 20-year-old will have to set his sights towards making his debut on Monday, Canadian Thanksgiving, when the Leafs host the very same Detroit Red Wings.

However, it's not all doom and gloom, as head coach Craig Berube explained that his decision is wired to his team's overall performance from Wednesday night and how he felt a change wasn't needed.

Berube also added that Cowan's very close to finally cracking the lineup and believes his good attitude and work ethic will go a long way in determining his status moving forward.

Cowan can very well find himself making his debut some time next week, especially if certain members of the Leafs fall flat tonight.

Nicholas Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok are two forwards that need to be on their best behaviour and show the coaching staff they deserve to stay in the lineup on a game-by-game basis.

The Leafs have a 4-game week on tap with all of them in the friendly confines of their home barn, Scotiabank Arena. There's a very good chance we see Cowan making his debut in front of the home crowd, especially with Berube believing he's very close.