Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube addresses Toronto's consecutive preseason losses to Senators

By ARJUN B

Modified Sep 25, 2024 05:20 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their second consecutive preseason loss to the Ottawa Senators, falling 2-1 in Ottawa's first home preseason game. The Senators had defeated the Leafs 6-5 in the preseason opener just two days prior.

After the game, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube addressed the team's back-to-back defeats against the Senators.

"No, it’s pre-season. It’s pre-season, so... We’re looking at preparing for the regular season. It’s the second game. We’re looking at young guys. We’re looking at players. So, you know, that’s what it’s about," Berube said, downplaying the importance of preseason results.

Berube went on to praise his team's effort despite the loss.

"It was a good hard battle by our team, you know, it was a tight game.I mean, you know, we had opportunities, our goalies were good, the other guys, competed hard in the game, you know. It was unfortunate, one play and they scored on it."

Berube also pointed out the team's aggressive style of play in every area by emphasizing their forechecking tactics and physical presence along with their ability for winning key battles. He also commended the team's defensive performance in preventing quick counterattacks and limiting odd-man rushes.

While acknowledging room for improvement in puck execution, Berube seemed satisfied with the overall performance, viewing it as a hard-fought contest.

Alex Steeves netted the lone goal for Toronto, while Jake Sanderson and Zack Ostapchuk scored for Ottawa.

Fans react to Maple Leafs's consecutive preseason losses to Senators

Maple Leafs fans have voiced their frustration after the team's back-to-back preseason losses against the Ottawa Senators.

Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment with one fan commenting:

"We really need these points guys can't keep losing important games like this."

Another fan joked,

"oh my back to back cups for us."

Here are some other fan reactions:

"Disappointing, yes. But, did this game really count? No." one fan wrote on X.

"Same old story, poor defense , late game giveaway. Two losses to start the preseason, definitely NOT a good start." another fan wrote.

"That said, the #Leafs need to figure out a way to win games & that means for starters ideally scoring 2 or more unanswered goals to open scoring. That game vs the @senators was tight." a user commented.

"Its ok its just preseason! We are saving our wins for the playoffs when it matters most!! :)" another user wrote.

The Maple Leafs next face the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday for their third preseason game.