Leafs Craig Berube provides very honest answer why he scratched Max Pacioretty

The moment Max Pacioretty didn't take part in the warm-ups before Wednesday's contest against the Los Angeles Kings, it became a legitimate cause for concern. A guy the Toronto Maple Leafs signed after being on a professional tryout, they needed his veteran leadership and scoring touch. The question was whether he could withstand the rigors of an NHL season with his injury history. Whether this latest development was a recurrence of old problems was the question both fans and analysts alike wondered.

Speculation, of course, started to mount in a hurry. Was Pacioretty working his way back from a new injury or re-aggravating an old one? Or worse yet, was he one of several victims of a lingering illness that seemed to make its rounds through the locker room? With no answers coming forth in the short term, the anxiety began to build, and questions regarding his long-term durability resurfaced. It just leaves so many wondering if the Maple Leafs have a reason to worry just a few games into the season.

Head coach Craig Berube put the hush on those worries rather quickly, however. This wasn't due to any sort of sickness or injury, he said, but a tactical move. Pacioretty had been in an unfortunate position to take a penalty in the physical contest with Pittsburgh and was essentially benched for a large portion of the third period thereof, so Berube felt it was best to give the veteran winger the night off. Considering the deep roster the Maple Leafs boast, especially with the return of John Tavares and William Nylander, the coach decided that resting Pacioretty wouldn't hurt their chances.

It was a call that paid off well for Berube. Toronto dominated the Kings in a 6-2 victory, with Auston Matthews finally getting on the scoresheet for the first time this season. Depth showed that the Maple Leafs could live a game without Pacioretty, further underlining the confidence and versatility of the squad. It had the effect of being a well-timed move to keep him fresh for other contests.

There was much worry about nothing regarding the absence of Max Pacioretty. There is some understandable concern based on his injury history, but an explanation from Berube reassures the notion that the veteran forward is simply being managed with care. The Leafs are keeping the ball rolling and have made giving Pacioretty a night off just one little part of ensuring his contributions are sustained through the season.