NHL News

Berube Has Telling Take on Matthews’ Scoring Dip for Maple Leafs

Craig Berube addressed Auston Matthews’ dip in scoring for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his comments hint at the coach’s priorities.

by
Jim Parsons
December 14, 2024

Auston Matthews may not be finding the back of the net as often as fans are used to, but Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube isn’t worried. While a scoring dip isn’t ideal, Berube says he’s focused on Matthews’ impact in all areas of the game. His comments reflect what the coach seems to deem most important for the Leafs to sustain a winning brand of hockey.

After netting an incredible 69 goals last season, Matthews has managed just nine in 20 games this year, with an injury contributing to the noticeable drop-off. While the Leafs are performing well overall, they have traditionally relied on Matthews’ scoring to drive their success.

“I am not concerned with it. I would be more concerned if he wasn’t getting the opportunities,” Berube said following Toronto’s 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. “He is playing good hockey. He is playing 200 feet defensively, winning faceoffs, and killing penalties. He is doing a lot of good stuff for the team.”

Berube’s Take About Matthews Is Telling

That Berube seems to be more focused on other areas of the game beyond goals, it shows that his focus is on getting the Leafs to play 200-ft hockey. The Maple Leafs won’t be playoff successful if they’re apt to play free-wheeling offensive hockey without an onus on defense. Berube believes the offense will come.

Auston Matthews Maple Leafs injury — Auston Matthews isn’t scoring as much as he typically does with the Maple Leafs

“Yes, we need him to produce, and he will,” Berube added. “Sometimes, they don’t go in, but he is getting the looks. He is taking pucks to the net hard, playing physically, and matching up against top lines. I get we need him to score, but I am not concerned about it. It will go in.”

Matthews is scoring when the Leafs need it most. His last goal came in a 2-1 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils earlier this week. And, because the Maple Leafs are sitting atop the Atlantic Division with 38 points and an 18-9-2 record, it’s not yet a huge concern.

For now, Berube’s making sure to back his star hinting that scoring isn’t everything. If the team starts losing, that narrative may change.

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