Leafs captain Auston Matthews responds after being called out publicly by Craig Berube
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has not been good enough this season, and after being called out by Craig Berube, he has something to say.
Auston Matthews has been struggling this season, and there are Toronto Maple Leafs fans who are starting to grow concerned that he is dealing with a career-altering injury.
Meanwhile, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube just wants to see some accountability. After a blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Berube called on his leaders to be better and to take control.
Of course, this was a direct challenge to Matthews, who, for the most part, has not been particularly forward-facing with the media when it comes to being a captain.
Auston Matthews acknowledges Craig Berube's criticism
On Monday, Matthews spoke to the media following practice, where he was asked about the struggles that he and the team have been facing.
He was very open and honest, noting that it has been a grind and that the team has mainly struggled when it comes to playing a full 60 minutes.
Matthews also acknowledged that the leaders on the team need to take more control. Clearly, he agrees with Berube's criticism of himself.
It's fine. It's been a grind lately. We've been trying to string together points and wins, and I think we've done a pretty decent job of that over the last seven to ten games. You want to continue putting yourself in a position to win and do whatever you can to help the team.
(On the team) We can all be better, obviously Rightfully so, it's going to fall on the leaders, and that's fine. We've got to be better in that area and make sure that in tight games we keep grinding and doing what made us successful in the first two periods.
(On the team) We can all be better, obviously Rightfully so, it's going to fall on the leaders, and that's fine. We've got to be better in that area and make sure that in tight games we keep grinding and doing what made us successful in the first two periods.
On Tuesday night, the Maple Leafs will be taking on the Chicago Blackhawks, who are going to be playing without superstar forward Connor Bedard.
The Leafs need to win this game. They are five points out of a playoff spot, and they remain in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. They are just a few losses from last place.
If Matthews can get things together, that would serve this Leafs team extremely well, although for now, it's hard to believe he can turn it around that quickly.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 363 ANSWERS Leafs captain Auston Matthews responds after being called out publicly by Craig Berube Do you believe Auston Matthews will have a big game against the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| YES | 178 | 49 % |
| NO | 185 | 51 % |
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