TORONTO — Craig Berube experienced a whirlwind of emotions on Thursday morning as he prepared to face the St. Louis Blues, a team he famously guided to this only Stanley Cup in 2019, but which also parted ways with him last December. The coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs was looking for a rebound performance following a disappointing game just two nights prior. While Berube started the day with a smile and even shared a light-hearted moment with reporters regarding the whereabouts of his championship ring, the tone shifted dramatically by the end of the match.
Following a disheartening 5-1 loss, Berube’s demeanor reflected his disappointment. He noted that his team was becoming too fancy in their approach, stating, “Our whole team’s getting a little cute. We’ve just got to play direct.” The Maple Leafs struggled defensively, failing to clear the front of the net for the initial goal against them—marking the season debut of goaltender Joseph Woll, who had just returned from injury.
As the game progressed into the second period, Berube’s frustrations mounted. He was visibly upset after the Blues extended their lead to 3-1, a sequence that began with Toronto defenseman Jake McCabe attempting an ill-advised play between his legs. Berube remarked on the situation, expressing that the team was “just not doing things right” and labeling the performance as “lazy hockey.”
Auston Matthews, the captain of the Maple Leafs, echoed Berube’s sentiments, asserting that the team needed to elevate their game. “We just need to be better,” Matthews stated. “We need to be in spots, we need to fill positions, we need to check better.” After a loss earlier in the week against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the players spoke about the need to respond, but their words proved largely empty. Matthews reflected critically on the team’s performance, saying, “Two games in a row we’re just not good enough,” adding that they struggled to win puck battles and control net-front situations. With only three goals in eight games so far this season—compared to the 69 he scored last season—Matthews recognized the pressing need for improvement.