‘Trying To Get This Thing Straightened Out’: Head Coach Craig Berube Reveals Maple Leafs Held Team Meeting To Address Recent Struggles

   

Mar 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) celebrates his goal with center Bobby McMann (74) and center Auston Matthews (34) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Mar 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) celebrates his goal with center Bobby McMann (74) and center Auston Matthews (34) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

With the Toronto Maple Leafs in the midst of a three-game losing streak,  head coach Craig Berube revealed on Sunday that the team held a meeting to address their recent struggles ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Utah Hockey Club.

The Leafs have allowed 12 goals in their last two outings—blowing a 4-2 lead in a 7-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday and falling 5-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. Defensive miscues and inconsistency have been at the heart of their struggles, with the team surrendering multiple two-goal leads in the past three games.

Berube acknowledged the team’s concerns but stressed the importance of addressing them together at Sunday’s media availability. 

“We’re frustrated, I think. Well, I wouldn’t say frustrated. Like I said last night, we’re making too many mistakes, giving up too many goals,” said Berube. “We had a good meeting this morning, guys spoke and (we’re) trying to get this thing straightened out.”

The meeting, according to Berube, was an open forum where players spoke up to share their thoughts. However, he kept details private when asked who decided to speak.

“I run it, but people speak,” he said. “That’s all private stuff. I don’t air that. We had a good meeting; that’s where I leave it at.”

The lapse in play hasn’t just occurred over the three-game stretch, but really since the group came back from the 4 Nations Face-Off break. The Leafs found ways to win tightly contested games, securing five straight victories – including three consecutive one-goal wins in Boston, New York, and Pittsburgh. However, mistakes have crept into their play.

“I think just resetting as a group, take a deep breath,” said captain Auston Matthews. “I think the results of 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 for the last couple of weeks. I think it’s just everyone taking a look in the mirror, being a little bit better, and holding each other accountable.”