Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking Four Nations Finals Loss to Team Canada
Auston Matthews and Team USA lost in OT against Team Canada in the 4 Nations Finals and the Leafs captain has finally commented on his feelings about losing.
It was a record-breaking 4 Nations Finals between Team USA and Team Canada that saw Canada emerge victorious after a stunning conclusion in OT that had Connor McDavid play the hero.
For Auston Matthews, it was a tough pill to swallow as the Maple Leafs and Team USA captain felt the sting of defeat.
Now he's opened up about his feelings regarding the heartbreaking loss:
You never know how many chances you get at representing your country and playing in a tournament like that. Definitely still stings. But you have flip the page.
Toronto hopes that this loss doesn't affect Matthews' ability to help the team as they push for a deep playoff run.
Toronto Needs Auston Matthews At His Best Physically and Mentally
If the Maple Leafs want to have a fighting chance this season, they will need Matthews to shake off whatever negativity he has toward losing the 4 Nations and focus on the regular season.
He should play a bit angry, but instead of holding resentment for teammate Mitch Marner or for Team Canada, use it as motivation to show that no matter the circumstances, he can rise to the occasion.
It'll depend on his physical health too. Suffering an injury scare during the tournament, it's the third time that he's been dealing with an ailment and already missed 15 game this season.
The worrying thing is that Matthews's injury was unrelated to the one that kept him out before, and it shows just how fragile the Maple Leafs captain truly is.
When he's healthy and able to use his explosiveness and elite shooting ability there is no one better on the ice, but often times this season we've seen him shooting less and lacking that punch he's known for.
It hasn't been a completely terrible season for Matthews though.
In 40 games this season, he has 45 points (20G, 25A) but is shooting way less with only 161 shots; on pace for his lowest total since 2020.
He's also been much less aggressive with only 23 hits compared to the 90 he had a year ago, and his normally staunch defense has taken a hit.
If Matthews can come out of the gate with guns blazing, it's a huge boost to the Maple Leafs as they look to take advantage of a wide open Atlantic Division, especially if Matthew Tkachuk misses some time.
The Maple Leafs and their captain will have their chance to come out of the gate strong as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
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![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531292.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
