Exciting Practice Lines:

**Forwards:** - Knies – Matthews – Marner - Domi – Tavares – Nylander - Pacioretty – Holmberg – Robertson - Lorentz – Kampf – Reaves - Extras: McMann, Dewar

**Defensemen:** - Rielly – Tanev - OEL – McCabe - Benoit – Timmins - Hakanpaa – Liljegren/Myers

**Goaltenders:** - Woll - Stolarz

**Absent due to injury:** Calle Jarnkrok (day-to-day)

Coach’s Take on New Additions

With Lorentz and Pacioretty officially joining the team, Berube expressed optimism about their contributions. “I’m glad to have them on board; both had strong camps, showcasing their size and skating. They bring different skills, but both are crucial for our team moving forward,” he noted.

Insights on Bobby McMann

Berube offered mixed yet encouraging feedback on Bobby McMann's camp performance. “He showcased both good and, let’s say, areas for improvement. I believe there’s more potential there. Bobby seemed a bit hesitant at times, but he has great skating ability and size. We need him to play like a power forward.”

Noteworthy Performances

The head coach also praised defenseman Philippe Myers, citing his competitive nature and physical play throughout the camp. “Myers really stood out with his effort—he knows how to use his size effectively, blocking shots and excelling in penalty-kill situations. His stride in physicality makes him a valuable asset,” Berube shared. Towards the end of practice, veteran Ryan Reaves was seen giving Myers fighting tips—an illustration of camaraderie and skill development within the team.

Emphasizing the Importance of Size on Defence

When asked about his preference for larger players on defense, Berube explained, “While it's not solely about size, having big players makes it challenging for opponents to maneuver and also helps in covering the net effectively. With the league’s trend towards faster and dynamic forwards, size can be a significant advantage.”

Evaluating Special Teams

As special teams undergo fine-tuning, Berube reflected positively on their current state, particularly on the penalty kill, while hinting at areas for improvement in the power play. “The guys have been working on things, but I believe we can be more aggressive and direct in shooting and pursuing rebounds. We’ve seen success before, and we need to build on that.”

Setting Expectations for the Season

Discussing what constitutes a successful start to the season, Berube emphasized wins but also mentioned the importance of playing sound hockey. “In the first ten games, we’ll evaluate various metrics like our penalty kill and power play effectiveness, alongside offensive output. It’s all about establishing our identity and style of play,” he affirmed.

Adjustments and Line Combinations

As the team prepares for the new system, Berube acknowledged that an adjustment period is inevitable once official games commence. “Even during the exhibition games, there’s a constant effort to learn and adapt. Adjustments will be necessary as we move forward,” he explained.

On the topic of line combinations, Berube revealed his philosophy of working in pairs rather than frequently swapping lines, indicating a preference for fostering chemistry among paired players.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Berube’s reflections provide an optimistic outlook as the team gears up for the season. With new recruits settling in and key players like McMann working through their hesitations, fans can expect an exciting start robust with potential fireworks. Will the team’s chemistry and strategy hold up when the puck drops? Only time will tell as they embark on the journey ahead!