It has become a reliable refrain in Leafland. Nearly like clockwork most autumns, a Maple Leafs coach seems to make the case for why Toronto’s defencemen ought to provide more offence.

Sheldon Keefe issued the call for back-end production on a nearly annual basis during his time as Leafs coach, usually in vain thanks to a defensive corps that was almost unfailingly near the bottom of the league in goals and points.

And so it was this week that second-year coach Craig Berube acknowledged that the Leafs have spent the early part of this season encouraging their defencemen to take their offensive-zone licks when the situation allows.

“Any opportunity we can get them up in the rush is a good play, because you can catch people and get odd-man rushes,” Berube said after Tuesday’s night’

See Full Page