HC Craig Berube doesn't mince words about Maple Leafs' faulty power play units headlined by start Auston Matthews & William Nylander

NHL: Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn
HC Craig Berube doesn't mince words about Maple Leafs' faulty power play units headlined by start Auston Matthews & William Nylander - Source: Imagn

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube didn't mince words about the team's faulty power play, headlined by stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander, following their 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

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Despite generating quality chances, including three power play chances, the Leafs failed to convert, with Berube pointing to poor finishing and poor execution as key reasons in the frustrating defeat.

The top unit, featuring the star duo of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, went 0-for-3 on the man advantage, missing the net on roughly 15 shots. Many were from high-danger areas, while the Canadiens capitalized on their lone power-play chance to tie the game late in the third period.

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"Right now, what I see when I watch is that they’re unsure of themselves a little bit. In particular, the power play in the second period moved it well. We didn’t take the shot. The shots are there, but we aren’t taking them. When we do take a shot, it is probably the wrong time," said Berube post-game.
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He added:

"They are not feeling too good about themselves out there. Obviously, they’re not seeing it right now. We’ve got to work through it. It’s all you can do. We’ve got to work through it and try to create some chemistry here.
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With a point shared apiece in their shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Maple Leafs improved their record to 13-11-4, sitting fifth in the Atlantic Division.

How Montreal Canadiens down the Toronto Maple Leafs?

On Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a 2-1 shootout defeat to the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. The Habs improved to 15-9-3, sliding third in the Atlantic Division standings.

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After a goalless first period, Cole Caufield opened the scoring for the visitors, putting them ahead 1-0 on the power play at 8:25 of the second period. Scott Laughton tied it 1-1 for the Leafs with a shorthanded goal at 10:28 of the third period.

The Leafs, meanwhile, host the Tampa Bay Lightning (16-10-2) at Scotiabank Arena next on Monday.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta
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