After a tough 4-1 home loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn’t sugarcoat things. The defeat dropped Toronto to 24-19-9 on the season, and while there’s still time to right the ship, Berube made it clear: execution and energy are slipping, and it’s showing up in the results.
“We were fine to start,” Berube said postgame. **“But two puck-play mistakes, and it’s in our net.”
** That’s been the theme lately for the Leafs-costly turnovers and lapses in execution leading directly to goals against. Against a team like Colorado, you can’t afford to hand them odd-man rushes.
And when Toronto found itself down 2-0 early, the air seemed to go out of the building-and the bench.
“We tried to fight back,” Berube added, **“but we have to fix the execution part.” ** That’s not just about Xs and Os.
It’s about compete level, especially when trailing. The message from Berube was clear: adversity is part of the game, but the response hasn’t been strong enough.
The Leafs have been reeling on home ice lately-a surprising development given their strong road trip just prior. But Berube pointed to a string of puck-management issues since returning to Scotiabank Arena.
“We’ve made a lot of mistakes with the puck,” he said. **“That’s put us in this spot.”
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As for confidence, Berube didn’t mince words. “That’s a choice,” he said.
**“You’re paid to play in the NHL. You have to go out and play.”
** He spoke from experience, drawing on his own playing days to emphasize that confidence isn’t something you wait around for-it’s something you earn through effort, structure, and sticking to the system.
“Confidence comes from work and compete,” he said. “If you work, compete, and understand that this is the most important part, you’ll get your confidence.”
There’s also a noticeable lack of energy on the bench when things go south. Berube acknowledged that the chatter-or lack of it-has been an issue.
“Right now, it’s quiet,” he said. **“That’s not going to help.”
** He stressed the importance of supporting teammates and staying engaged, regardless of the score. That kind of bench energy can fuel a comeback-or at least prevent a collapse.
In terms of the standings, the frustration is mounting. The Leafs had positioned themselves well for a climb before this homestand, but that opportunity has slipped.
“We thought we put ourselves in a pretty good place,” Berube said. **“But that wasn’t the case this time.”
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Still, he’s not interested in dwelling on what’s already happened. The focus is forward.
**“That’s in the past now. We’re going to focus on Tuesday.
That’s all we can do.” **
One bright spot? Goaltender Joseph Woll.
Despite the scoreline, Berube liked what he saw from his netminder. “I thought he was good tonight,” he said.
**“I don’t fault him on any of the goals.” ** While there might be a save or two the team wishes they had back, Berube felt Woll gave them a chance to stay in the game.
During an early timeout after falling behind 2-0, the message was simple: settle down and get back to the game plan. “Execute with the puck,” Berube said.
**“That’s what cost us those goals.” **
The Maple Leafs don’t need a miracle-they need a spark. And Berube’s message was clear: no one player is going to fix this.
It has to be the team, together, pulling in the same direction. With a crucial game looming on Tuesday, that unity will be put to the test.