Auston Matthews defends effort level, believes Leafs have found their identity

Auston Matthews defends effort level, believes Leafs have found their identity

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It was the team’s worst defeat of the year, where they surrendered multiple goals off the rush. Matthews offered his assessment of his team’s performance following the game, and tried to find some positives from Wednesday’s contest.

“I don’t think it’s an effort thing. Guys worked hard. I thought we competed. I thought we had a lot of o-zone time. Just when breakdowns happen and mistakes happen, they’re too big of breakdowns, too big of mistakes, we’re giving up too many odd-man rushes and the puck is going in the back of our net.” Matthews said.

“I think it’s more a cerebral thing than an effort thing.”

🎙️ | Auston Matthews | Post Game vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | Oct 29

Toronto’s rush defence has been its greatest flaw through 11 games, and Matthews offered that it’s not a matter of effort, but the mistakes are compounding for his team.

“I think it’s just being connected with all five guys on the ice. The effort’s there, I think guys are competing, especially over the last week. I think we’ve found our identity but when mistakes happen, they’re just egregious ones.”

This certainly may be true, but it may not generate much empathy, as the Maple Leafs have stumbled to a 5-5-1 start, trailing the division-leading Montreal Canadiens by five points ahead of Friday’s slate. Matthews has recorded five goals and eight points through 11 games, and while he started the year producing shots at an elite level, his production has tailed off during the latter portion of October.

“They came at us, and as we’ve talked about, they’re a talented and good rush team,” Berube said. “They capitalized on their opportunities. More than anything, that is what it boils down to. I just felt like we were disconnected at times getting through the neutral zone. It cost us.”

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