Captain Auston Matthews Reveals What Really Needs to Change With the Maple Leafs

Every year, it seems like we're talking about the same thing when it comes to the Maple Leafs. Once the team gets hot, they tend to take their foot off the gas and try to coast a little bit, only for that mindset to come back and bite them in the ass. Such was the case in Nashville last night.

After a thrilling win over the New York Rangers on Thursday, Leafs coach Craig Berube made a bit of a statement when it comes to what he believes his optimal lineup might look like for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, after jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, the Leafs became very complacent and allowed the Predators to take control of the game, and once they relinquished the lead, they could never regain it, dropping a 5-2 decision to the home team.

Craig Berube and John Tavares were among those who vented their frustrations when speaking with the media after the loss. Naturally, Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke as well, and pinpointed what needs to change for his group before the playoffs.

Matthews has been dealing with a nagging injury all season long, but his latest run of games has been much better in terms of his overall impact and effectiveness, which could suggest that his health is improving overall at the right time for the organization.

The Leafs have a day off on Sunday, but are expected to return to practice on Monday ahead of a Tuesday matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers in what will mark Scott Laughton's first game against his former team since being acquired by the Leafs at the trade deadline on March 7th.