Auston Matthews Calls for Reset as Toronto Maple Leafs Struggle to Maintain Momentum
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the thick of their playoff chase for the Stanley Cup, but their recent struggles have put their momentum in jeopardy. With three consecutive losses and fewer than 20 games left in the regular season, the team faces a critical stretch. They are now focused on avoiding a four-game losing streak, prompting an exclusive players-only meeting in Salt Lake City on Sunday. The goal of this meeting was to refocus, address defensive shortcomings, and prepare for a crucial matchup against the Utah Hockey Club.
Craig Berube says Leafs held a meeting this morning to address the state of their game:
“Guys spoke & trying to get this thing straightened out”@TSN_Sports @TSNHockey
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 9, 2025
Matthews and Berube Emphasize Accountability
Concerns about the Maple Leafs’ defensive struggles are growing, as they have conceded at least three goals in each of their last three defeats. One of the most concerning losses was a brutal seven-goal defeat on Saturday. Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the team’s difficulties but remains optimistic that they can turn things around. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility, saying, “Guys spoke, and we are trying to get this thing straightened out. That is on everybody. We have to be better in front of the goalies.”
Despite their recent struggles, Berube believes the team can regain its form. “We have to get back on track,” he stated. “We’ve been a good defensive team all year, and we have to return to that because we are scoring goals, and that’s good.”
Matthews Leads Call for Team Reset
Star forward Auston Matthews, who has been in exceptional form with a 12-game point streak and 56 points in 48 games, sees the players-only meeting as a necessary “reset” for the team. He acknowledged that while their recent results have been disappointing, the bigger concern is that their overall game has not been trending in the right direction.
“Just resetting as a group, taking a deep breath,” Matthews said. “The results over the last couple of games haven’t been good, but I think as well our game maybe hasn’t been trending in the right direction.” He highlighted the importance of accountability within the team, adding, “It’s about looking in the mirror, being better, and holding each other accountable.”
A Crucial Matchup Ahead
March has been a challenging month for the Maple Leafs, with just one win so far. Now, they are on the brink of a four-game losing streak, which would be their first of the season. Their upcoming game against the Utah Hockey Club will not only be their first-ever visit to the franchise but also a significant test of their resilience.
With a current record of 38-22-3, the Maple Leafs have managed to avoid extended losing streaks throughout the season. This upcoming game will determine whether they can maintain that pattern. With Matthews stepping up as a leader and Berube pushing for a renewed defensive commitment, the team still has a chance to regain its winning form before the critical final stretch of the season.