Berube’s Choices : Stolarz Injured, But What’s Up with Cowan?

Many Maple Leafs Fans Want to See Cowan Play More

There’s been a lot of excitement around Cowan, especially given how the team has looked at times. He’s making mistakes, but he works his tail off. That kind of energy is appealing to many who believe some of the regulars are dialling it in.

Some fans were hoping this would be the moment he finally got another look. Instead, Berube confirmed Cowan will sit for a third straight game.

The reasoning was simple. The Maple Leafs won their last game, and Berube doesn’t want to tinker. Coaches have always been superstitious that way. You win, you keep the lineup the same. It’s the hockey equivalent of wearing the same suit again — even if the winning streak is currently sitting at a very impressive one.

Berube Reports that Maple Leafs Fans Be Patient About Cowan

To Berube’s credit, he did at least acknowledge the balance he’s trying to strike. He said Cowan needs patience. He noted that sitting too long isn’t helpful to a young player’s development. And, while Cowan will sit again, Cowan believes he helps the team. That’s probably true on all counts. It just doesn’t make the decision any easier to swallow if you’re eager to see what the kid can do.

So that’s where things sit. Stolarz remains out with no timeline, Cowan stays in the press box, and Berube is sticking with what worked last time. For some fans, that’ll feel cautious. For others, it feels a bit too stubborn.

Either way, it’s not exactly the kind of update that lifts the room.