Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Speaks Out After Embarrassing Loss Streak

Toronto's losing streak extends to three games with a 5-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:57pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the sense of frustration and disarray surrounding the Maple Leafs' recent poor performance.The Maple Leafs' recent struggles are reflected in a fractured, cubist-inspired illustration that captures the intensity and chaos of their latest loss against the Senators.Boston Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs' losing streak continued with a 5-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators, extending to three games. After back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, the Leafs returned home, but their struggles persisted. They conceded four goals in the second period and were outshot 40-23, resulting in a loss. This loss marks 14 goals conceded in three games since the Olympic break, all against Atlantic Division rivals. Auston Matthews, the Leafs captain, expressed disappointment, stating, 'Embarrassing... We need more pride in our play.'

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs' recent losing streak has dropped them to last place in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Boston Bruins by eight points for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. This poor run of form has raised concerns about the team's competitiveness and ability to bounce back from adversity as they fight to secure a postseason berth.

The details

The game began with Morgan Rielly's early goal, but the Senators took control, scoring three unanswered goals in the second period. Despite William Nylander's goal, the Senators responded with two quick goals, leading to the removal of goaltender Joseph Woll. Head coach Craig Berube emphasized the team's responsibility, stating, 'They've got to bring the heart and the competitiveness... They've got to want to bring that.'

  • The Maple Leafs' losing streak has extended to three games since the Olympic break.
  • Auston Matthews has gone seven games without a goal, though he has extended his assist streak to three games.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has expressed disappointment in the team's recent performances and called for more pride in their play.

Morgan Rielly

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who scored the team's first goal in the game against the Ottawa Senators.

William Nylander

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who scored a goal in the game against the Ottawa Senators.

Joseph Woll

The goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who was removed from the game against the Ottawa Senators after the team conceded multiple goals.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who emphasized the team's need to bring more heart and competitiveness to their play.

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What they’re saying

“Embarrassing... We need more pride in our play.”

— Auston Matthews, Captain, Toronto Maple Leafs

“It's hard... We need to look in the mirror and be better.”

— Auston Matthews, Captain, Toronto Maple Leafs

“They've got to bring the heart and the competitiveness... They've got to want to bring that.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will have a chance to turn things around when they face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, April 14th. A win against their division rivals could help them climb back into the playoff race.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' recent struggles have raised concerns about the team's competitiveness and ability to bounce back from adversity. As the captain, Auston Matthews has called for more pride and determination from his teammates, and the team will need to find a way to regain their form if they hope to secure a playoff spot in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.