The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the St. Louis Blues in a game filled with anticipation. Craig Berube, the Leafs' coach, will be aiming for a win against the team that let him go in 2023. The team comes off two consecutive wins, including a 4-3 victory against the New York Rangers on Wednesday. While the season's narrative hasn't been entirely rewritten, these games still carry significance due to pride, jobs, and reputations.

The challenge lies in the fact that the St. Louis Blues have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the league, boasting a three-game winning streak and a 9-1-2 record in March. This match is crucial for assessing Toronto's performance.

Joseph Woll could once again be the key for the Maple Leafs to secure their third consecutive victory. His performance against the Rangers, where he stopped 40 shots, was highlighted by his composure and rebound control. The goalie prevented chaos in the defensive zone, giving the team a chance to settle down.

John Tavares praised his performance, emphasizing his ability to prevent chaos. The question is whether Berube will stick with Woll in the net or rotate with Anthony Stolarz. Given the nearing end of the season and the demanding schedule, rotation could be a viable option, but after Wednesday's performance, it wouldn't be surprising to see Woll back in the net.

Benoit-Olivier Groulx was sent back to the Toronto Marlies, a decision interpreted more as smart roster management than a demotion. In his nine games with the Maple Leafs, Groulx made a solid impression, scoring three goals and two assists, in addition to 26 hits and three blocked shots. His energy and aggressiveness were noteworthy.

The most probable reason for this decision is the planning for the American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs. By sending him down now, the Maple Leafs ensure his availability for the Marlies' playoff run without waiver complications later on. This also leaves open the possibility of an emergency recall before the NHL regular season ends.

The Maple Leafs also secured defenseman Hayes Hundley with a three-year entry-level contract, reinforcing defensive depth. Hundley, 21, comes from the University of St. Thomas, where he scored six goals and six assists in 38 games this season. Although his numbers aren't spectacular, Maple Leafs scouts saw potential in his size, skating, and defensive instincts.

This signing is considered a bet for player development. Hundley will finish the current season with the Marlies on an amateur tryout, while the NHL deal officially begins in 2026-27. Although it's not certain that he will become a regular NHL player, solid organizations continue to add pieces to develop talent.

The game against the Blues will be Craig Berube's second return to St. Louis since he was fired in December 2023. These returns always carry emotions, especially in a city where Berube won the Stanley Cup and made his mark on franchise history. Coaches rarely make these games about themselves, but it's clear that they do matter.

The Blues won Berube's first return 4-2, so this game carries extra weight for the Maple Leafs' coach. Berube has a lot of pride, which adds extra intensity to the encounter. Since the Maple Leafs have decided to try to win every game in these final weeks, a little intensity could be beneficial.