Young and old Maple Leafs prep for first exhibition game

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Craig Berube can now say he’s coached and won a game with the Maple Leafs. 

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Sure, it was a no-lose situation in a Blue and White scrimmage on Saturday, but the fast pace seemed to get the new boss and his team fired up to start NHL exhibition games, next step in the symbiotic relationship with the 58-year-old Berube and more than 70 players who’ve crashed their way through three days of training camp. 

“Nice to just get back to playing, understanding the timing that’s needed, to talk out there, helping each other out,” Berube said. 

A 3-0 decision for the Whites over the Blues, won’t be added to Berube’s 281 NHL victories, but likely factored in deciding who’ll play in the first pre-season match Sunday at Scotiabank Arena against the Ottawa Senators. 

Berube must abide by the same rules as every coach in these games, dressing a set amount of veterans to ensure paying customers get some star power for their buck instead of an all prospect-farmhand lineup. But the game roster might not be revealed until Sunday morning. 

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If it’s kids Berube wants to grade, Nikita Grebenkin and Easton Cowan would be high on the list. The 6-foot-1 Grebenkin has excelled since the rookies gathered a week ago as right winger with Cowan and centre Fraser Minten, then carried that through to the main camp. While on a right wing line with 35-year-old Max Pacioretty and centre Pontus Holmberg, the mid-draft 2022 pick from Russia has knocked some older players on their rumps. 

“Very noticeable for me, a big, strong kid, first and foremost,” Berube said of Grebenkin. “A good hockey IQ and not afraid to take the body, good skill.” 

Grebenkin’s English needs work, so he’s taking lessons, while development coach Nik Antropov is doing some interpreting. But the Leafs prefer Grebenkin get challenged in certain social situations to fend for himself as a way to acclimatize faster. 

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The irony is Grebenkin getting some assistance there from Holmberg, who unlike most Swedes, struggled with English since arriving in 2022. He took a few classes, but started watching movies and TV to speed up the process. 

 “The Office, a very funny show,” Holmberg said. “Thet helps and now I feel more comfortable.” 

Holmberg is lapping up everything he can from the proven Pacioretty and trying to set the table for Grebenkin. Holmberg has seen the talent the Leafs have imported during the summer and with the new coach to impress, increased his summer practice schedule from two or three a week to a full five days. 

“I feel better on the ice and have more power in the gym,” Holberg added. 

Mitch Marner had the only goal of Saturday’s first half, blocking a Max Domi shot and deking Dennis Hildeby on the ensuing breakaway. Farmhand Cedric Pare was set up by Philippe Myers against Anthony Stolarz and John Tavares snuck a short-side backhand through traffic. Pitching 20-minute shutouts were Joseph Woll and Matt Murray. 

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“Nice to get back in game-like situations, make some saves,” said Stolarz, who is expected to battle Woll for the No. 1 job. “I don’t want to say the first couple of practices get old, but you’re itching to get the first games going, getting that high speed, playing in front of fans.” 

Stolarz didn’t have much of that through the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup run with Sergei Bobrovsky in control, but did win 16 of 25 decisions for the Cats and looks forward to playing as many as a career high 30 or more in a duel or support role. 

LOOSE LEAFS 

Berube said defenceman Jani Hakanpaa (knee) is progressing well and could be practising with the Leafs’ developmental group next week. That bunch was reduced Saturday when Toronto made its first cuts. Junior forwards Sam McCue (Owen Sound), F Maxim Muranov (Calgary), F Miroslav Holinka, Marshall Finnie (Edmonton) and defenceman Nathan Mayes (Spokane) were sent home. Holinka, McCue, Mayes were all 2024 draft picks … Forward Kyle Clifford has joined Steven Lorentz on the day-to-day sidelines with an upper body issue … 2020 forward pick Ryan Tverberg is back from injury and practised with the main group Saturday … Berube is looking forward to seeing his office at Scotiabank, having not been back since early summer when renovations began … Fans attending Sunday will notice the work going on in the arena’s 100 level through this season. 

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X: @sunhornby 

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