Auston Matthews emphasizes playing direct hockey as Leafs prepare for Battle of Ontario

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has his eyes set on the postseason and getting prepared for the ultimate test.

The Leafs concluded their regular season schedule on Thursday with an overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings. It seemed clear from the outset that the team was focused on getting through the game regardless of the result, but they did just enough to secure their fifth straight win.

Matthews complimented his team’s competitive level and not giving up despite it being a meaningless game.

“You want to be ending off the regular season on a good note here, and I think that’s what we did,” Matthews said post-game. “A lot of good heading into the postseason here, and just got to be prepared and ready for what’s next.”

Toronto’s captain opened the scoring with his 33rd goal of the year, bringing his season totals to 78 points in 67 games played. The campaign has been far from his lofty standards, given that he was coming off a 69-goal season, but Matthews remains dangerous offensively and is coming into his own defensively.

“It feels good. I think we’ve had a good stretch over the last couple of good weeks,” Matthews said. “I think the style of play that we’ve been playing is suitable for the postseason. Just being direct, making sure we’re forechecking well, taking care of pucks when we have to, and just doing the right things in both ends. A lot of positivity moving forward here. Just gotta get prepared, get the mindset in the right space to compete. It’s gonna be a hard series.”

Matthews credited his teammates’ ability to fight through adversity and respond to challenges that they have had to tackle head-on.

A major part of the Leafs’ success this season, which resulted in them winning the Atlantic Division title, was the guidance of head coach Craig Berube who has refined the way the Leafs in this era play.

“ I think we’re playing much more direct,” Matthews said. “ I wouldn’t say this style has changed dramatically, but I definitely think there’s certain areas in certain parts of the game that we’ve keyed on, tried to be better in, and made more of an emphasis on.  Just playing more direct, physical.  With personnel changes, sometimes style of play changes a little bit too. But I think all in all, it’s pretty positive.”

With the regular season schedule finished and the start of the playoffs fast approaching, the Leafs will get a chance to recharge and prepare for the fifth instalment of the Battle of Ontario. This year’s team may have gotten swept by the Senators in the season series, but all of that goes out the window once the puck drops for Game 1.

One thing is certain: Matthews is looking forward to competing against the team’s provincial rival.

“ You see clips and videos and stuff like that, obviously the Battle of Ontario kind of speaks for itself,” he said. “ It’s been a long time and two very proud cities, proud franchises.  I think we know where we’re in for. It’s gonna be a tough series, gonna be a hard series, and we just got mentally prepare for that.”