Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Displays Very Cheeky, Devious Antics Against Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently hold an impressive 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators. Unlike teams of the past, this Leafs squad has displayed aggression, awareness, competitiveness, and strong defensive responsibility throughout the series.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews may not be the most physical player in the NHL, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't adjusted well to the ultra-competitve style of hockey that new head coach Craig Berube is known for, but he's also added his own personality to the mix, bringing cheekiness and swagger that's clearly resonating in the locker room.

Following a thrilling OT win in Game 2, the Maple Leafs captain and close friend and teammate Morgan Rielly were seen mimicking the act of playing violins on their hockey sticks as the team celebrated the win at centre ice, sending the Senators off with a sad song.

As per BR_OpenIce on X:

This isn't the first time Matthews has made a statement in the series. In Game 1, he was seen snapping the stick of notorious agitator Ridly Greig after it was pulled into the Leafs' bench -- an act that didn't go unnoticed.

As per Sportsnet on X:

While Matthews had a quieter regular season by his own elite standards, scoring 33 goals, down from 69 the year prior, he's already tallied 3 assists in the first two games of the postseason and is still hunting for his first goal of the series.

His competitive fire appears to be contagious. Even goalie Anthony Stolarz has shown a physical edge, standing his ground in the crease against Greig and making it clear he won't be pushed around.

Captain Matthews and the Maple Leafs head into Ottawa tonight looking to bring their Berube-style hockey on the road and take a commanding 3-0 stranglehold on the series. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Matthews' new playoff attitude.