Senators Forward and Stanley Cup Champion Admits This Maple Leafs Team Is Different

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently up 3-0 against the Ottawa Senators in Craig Berube's first season as head coach.

It's clear that Berube's style of hockey has been successfully implemented and fully embraced by the players, resulting in a strong season that saw the Leafs win the Atlantic Division.

Players around the league have also taken notice. Former St. Louis Blues player, Stanley Cup champion and current Ottawa Senators winger David Perron -- who was coached by Berube during the Blues' 2019 championship run -- remarked that he sees some similarities between that team and the current Maple Leafs squad.

As per Nick Barden on X:

Berube's brand of hockey is gritty, defensively responsible, and built around a relentless work ethic. One player who seems to have fully embraced this style is new captain Auston Matthews. Matthews has displayed tremendous leadership by sacrificing some offensive numbers to focus on playing smart, reliable, two-way hockey.

Another standout this postseason has been goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who has arguably been the Maple Leafs' playoff MVP so far.

Stolarz has shown not only elite play in the crease, but also a gritty edge, standing up for himself and setting the tone for his teammates, perfectly reflecting the culture Berube is trying to build.

Berube's influence hasn't stopped with the players; it's changed the demeanor of the coaching staff as well. After a key goal against Ottawa, Berube was seen instructing his coaches to remain composed and not overly celebrate -- a subtle, but powerful message that adds a sense of professionalism and confidence, as if the team has been there before.

Berube and the Maple Leafs will have the opportunity to complete the sweep on Saturday night in Ottawa, where the blue and white will surely be ready to play.