Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is sick of waiting for his top line to find chemistry following a poor showing in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Berube started Max Domi alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies for a fresh combination, and the Devils dominated 16-5 in shot attempts and 9-1 in scoring chances against the new-look trio, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Matthews and Knies have played together all season, but right wing on their line has been a revolving door. Domi was the latest to step into the role, which has already featured Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, William Nylander, and Matias Maccelli through seven games.
"Early on in the season, I thought they were getting their opportunities and looking pretty good," Berube said postgame, per Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Now, it's obviously not good enough. I don't feel like they have any sustained pressure in the offensive zone. It's one and done, they're out."
Berube conceded Matthews might still be adjusting after spending the past several seasons with Mitch Marner at his side.
"It could be," Berube said. "But I'm getting tired of it, to be honest with you."
Although Matthews has notched four goals and two assists this season, his underlying numbers are underwhelming. With their captain on the ice at five-on-five, the Maple Leafs own a 45.7% expected goals rate and a 45.2% share of shot attempts.
As a team, Toronto ranks 15th in five-on-five expected goals at 50.42%.
The 3-3-1 Maple Leafs return to action Friday against the Buffalo Sabres in the first leg of a home-and-home.
