Craig Berube sends message with Leafs’ lineup for Saturday’s game

The Toronto Maple Leafs know the Detroit Red Wings will be hungry for their first win of the season on Saturday night, and won’t hinder their chances to make it two wins in a row after a winning home opener against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.

That’s why head coach Craig Berube has made the following line up decisions for the game on Saturday, sending a clear message to the Wings.

Berube is looking for his lineup to get physical against Detroit after a quick look at the projected lines and pairings during Friday’s practice:

Knies - Matthews - Maccelli

McMann - Tavares - Nylander

Joshua - Domi - Robertson

Lorentz - Roy- Jarnkrok

Extra: Cowan, Blais

Rielly - Carlo

McCabe - Tanev

Benoit - OEL

Extra: Myers

Stolarz

Primeau

This is the same lineup that got the win over the Habs a few days ago, though the possibility of having Sammy Blais play would add something new to the mix. He could perhaps take Calle Jarnkrok’s spot and bring even more physicality to the Maple Leafs, especially with coach Berube loving his style of play.

Rookie Easton Cowan has been patiently waiting for his NHL debut, and also skated as an extra on Friday. Some fans were quite vocal about Cowan being an extra, wanting to see him take over for Nick Robertson for the upcoming contest.

“Those are decisions we have to discuss and make. We’ll see what happens tomorrow," Berube added after the skate.

There is still time for Berube to make changes to his lineup against of tomorrow evening, and I guess his message will only be clearer if he decides to add Blais and remind his players to hit back, or if he will give Cowan a shot to rack up goals against Detroit.