Leafs HC Craig Berube makes his thoughts on Auston Matthews' OT blunder extremely clear
The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a disappointing 4-3 OT loss against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. The game-winning goal came after a costly turnover by Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews in overtime.
Matthews attempted to send a pass off the boards in the Toronto zone, but it was intercepted by David Pastrnak, who created a 2-on-1 with Brad Marchand. Marchand was initially stopped at the net front by Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz before backhanding in the rebound for the OT winner.
When asked about the play after the game, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made his thoughts on Matthews' mistake abundantly clear.
"It was a tough play on Auston. We gotta support him a little bit better on that play. We left him alone there. It was a mistake by everybody out there," Berube said.
While not fully excusing Matthews, Berube spread the blame across the whole team for the overtime blunder. He emphasized the need for better team play and support in those critical situations.
The Maple Leafs power play struggles also continued in the loss, going 0-for-3 on the night. The team is now 3-for-30 on the power play this season.
"We had the 5-on-3, I mean, there was two empty nets & we just don’t put them in. But it will come. I’m confident in this team & they’ll get it going," Berube commented on the PP issues.
For the Bruins, Brad Marchand, Justin Brazeau, Mark Kastelic and David Pastrnak scored goals. Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly tallied goals for Toronto. Anthony Stolarz had 30 saves for the Leafs while Jeremy Swayman made 20 stops for Boston.
Auston Matthews on OT blunder
Auston Matthews spoke about the overtime mistake that led to the Boston Bruins' game-winning goal.
"I thought somebody was coming back, and then, as I went to pass it, I looked up, and it wasn't the case. So, I just tried to get back and make a play, and just an unfortunate bounce..Matthews said after the game.
Matthew and the Toronto Maple Leafs aim to make a comeback in their next match against the Winnipeg Jets scheduled for Monday evening. The Bruins are set to face off against the Philadelphia Flyers this coming Tuesday.