Photo credit: TSN

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube challenging his players to follow suit with Max Pacioretty due to his increased physicality since returning from injury.

A message is being sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs by their head coach. Be more like Max Pacioretty.

Craig Berube coached his team to a 2-1 come from behind win over the New Jersey Devils last night in a game the Maple Leafs really had no business winning. With an impassioned effort from the group, led by Anthony Stolarz and Auston Matthews, the Leafs were able to rub salt in the wounds of their opponent.

Craig Berube was critical of his team’s 5-on-5 effort despite the win. But there was one thing he really liked.

Max Pacioretty, who’s no pushover but really isn’t known for making massive hits, absolutely steamrolled Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils without drawing a penalty on the play.

It’s an edgy play, and one that seems to be right up Craig Berube’s ally.

Berube was asked about the hit following the game and said it was nice to see someone on the team step up and take the body, implying the rest of the Maple Leafs should take note of Pacioretty’s actions and add that sort of play to their repertoire.

Berube’s on-ice career as a player was one spent on the line, and often over it. He doesn’t ask the same of his players, though and that goes back to his time with the St. Louis Blues.

You can, however, still play a rough and tough game without going off the rails or over the line. That’s what Pacioretty did here, and it’s exactly what Berube wants to see more of throughout his roster.