Craig Berube on Maple Leafs-Senators: 'Going to be a tough blue paint'

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Craig Berube hasn’t yet experienced the Battle of Ontario.

The Maple Leafs coach, though, has an idea of what to expect on Tuesday night when Toronto plays host to the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.

“It’s going to be a hard game at both nets,” Berube said after the Leafs held an optional morning skate. “They go to the net really well and they have some physical players up front that are good-sized guys. We have to be strong at our net front.

“On the other side, we have to do a good job of getting to the net and and looking for some rebound goals. It’s going to be a tough blue paint tonight.”

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The Leafs will have forwards William Nylander and Max Domi, Berube said, after both missed practice on Monday for maintenance reasons.

Forward Connor Dewar will make his season debut for the Leafs after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

Mitch Marner will look to extend his point streak to nine games. Not only does Marner have six points in his past three games, he has 13 during his eight-game run, including three goals and 10 assists.

Nylander’s 11 goals have him tied with three other players for second in the National Hockey League, one behind Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens, who has 12. Nylander has 11 points in his past seven games.

Domi, meanwhile, is looking to get out of a production rut. He hasn’t recorded a point in his past 10 games.

As expected, Leafs captain Auston Matthews won’t play. He will miss his fourth game in a row with an upper-body injury.

“It’s just not getting to where it needs to get to,” Berube said. “We’re just trying to manage it, just trying to make sure when he comes back, he’s good and 100%.”

Regarding Dewar, Berube isn’t asking for much.

“Simplify,” Berube said. “He has been practising with us, so he’s familiar with everything. He’s an energy guy and physical and grinding it out, and checking … First game back, it has been a long time for him, getting up to speed. It’s a fast game out there, and he has to make sure he’s smart.”

Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the start in the Leafs net. For Ottawa, Linus Ullmark will be in goal.

Also on Tuesday, the Leafs assigned defenceman Matt Benning to the Toronto Marlies after he cleared waivers.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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