Craig Berube Absolutely Unleashes on Captain Auston Matthews After Costly Defensive Zone Giveaway

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Chris Gerics
October 24, 2024 (9:28 PM)

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Craig Berube is known for not holding anything back regardless of talent, and he had some choice words for the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews after a costly error.

The game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues is one that had a lot of anticipation around it, given it was Leafs coach Craig Berube's first game against the team that fired him after leading them to a Stanley Cup. Toronto has looked a little better than in Columbus but is still struggling, currently down 3-1 in the third period.

Not everyone has been on their game, especially superstar Auston Matthews who has made some pretty costly defensive errors including completely letting Dylan Holloway be alone for the 2nd goal of the game for the Blues:

Not only that, Matthews had a terrible defensive zone giveaway that led to a prime St. Louis scoring chance. It's uncharacteristic of Matthews to play with blinders on, so one has to wonder what's going on. Head coach Craig Berube wasn't going to let Matthews get away with it either, berating and barking instructions to his star filled with colorful language.

It's exactly what Toronto needs as Berube's demand for accountability will pay off in the long run, regardless of feelings. The Maple Leafs' stars have sometimes needed a kick in the pants to get things going, and perhaps the stars will narrow down their focus a little more and make sure these errors don't cost them again and again. If Toronto's stars make errors like this in the playoffs, not only is it going to be another disappointing year, but with an even angrier fanbase.

Toronto needed Matthews and company to show out this game, as it was Joseph Woll's season debut and there was so much anticipation about how the Maple Leafs would respond after Tuesday's game in Columbus.

So far, they haven't shown up much as Toronto is down 4-1 roughly halfway through the third period. St. Louis has been helped with goals by Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg, Jake Neighbours, and Alexandre Texier. Toronto responded with Oliver Ekman-Larsson's first goal of the season.