Date: November 4, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
Ahead of the Maple Leafs’ matchup against the Utah Mammoth, head coach Craig Berube spoke about maintaining consistency after a comeback win, Auston Matthews’ penalty kill evolution, Nick Robertson’s growth and confidence, and the team’s mindset heading into the game.
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On Carrying Momentum from the Last Game
“I think, you know, probably a lot of what we saw in the third period. That’s what we’re looking for here right away to start the game. You know, that team played last night, so they’re on a back-to-back — play with pace, energy, get after them.”
On Falling Behind Early in Games
“We don’t want to go in the game thinking about that. Just go play. We got to go play and focus on what we need to do — the process of it all. You go through stretches where you score first a bunch of times and then it flips. Sometimes you get scored on. You just got to keep playing. We can’t get down and stop playing or start backing off. You got to have a push back.”
On John Tavares’ 500th Goal Celebration
“We’re all excited for it. What a great career he’s had and the things he’s accomplished are incredible. We’re all pretty jacked up about it and I’m extremely happy to be part of it.”
“You always do your ceremonies back home. It’s great for the fans, for John’s family, and the team.”
On His Level of Frustration with the Team’s Consistency
“I’m pretty hot. No doubt about it. Very close [to the hottest I’ve been]. Total flip — second and third. We got to try to do a better job in not allowing that to happen.”
On the Challenge Presented by Utah
“Their top two lines are really skilled. Peterka coming over helps them. They got a good team — pretty deep the way they’re set up. They got skill and they can make plays.”
On Expectations for Scott Laughton’s Return
“He’s going to be energized for sure and want to get out there and do his thing. I’ll see how the game goes, how he’s looking, if it’s a drop off or not. You’ve been out a long time — practice isn’t a game. It’s totally different. So, we’ll see how his energy is and where he’s at.”
On Nick Robertson’s Role on the Penalty Kill
“I always thought that Nicky played a structured game without the puck, and he’s got speed and tenacity. So I do like him on the penalty kill. I like Bobby and him — I use both of them a little bit here and there. Just running eight guys so we’re not overusing guys on the PK.”
On Joseph Woll’s Recovery
“It’s getting close. He’s in a real good spot. It’s great to have him out with us in practice — he’s doing well. So, it’s close. It’s close.”
On Auston Matthews’ Growth as a Penalty Killer
“That effort in that game in the third period by him — that’s what he’s capable of doing. He’s good in the faceoff dot, which is important. He’s a smart player. A lot of these offensive guys, they know what power plays are trying to do and they’ve got anticipation. That’s important on a penalty kill. Overall, Auston touches all the ice for us — whether it’s against top lines, penalty killing, going out winning faceoffs — he’s a complete player.”
On Nick Robertson’s Confidence and Production
“I’ve given him more opportunity, but he’s deserved it. It’s confidence — he feels good about his game, getting a lot of good puck touches, getting shots, scoring. He’s confident. That’s a big part of the game.”
On Carlo’s Status
“Yeah, he’s good to go.”
Pulse Takeaway
Berube wants to see the Leafs bring third-period energy from the start against Utah, emphasizing pushback and pace. He praised Auston Matthews’ all-around game, Robertson’s penalty kill and confidence, and Laughton’s expected energy in his return. Berube also confirmed Joseph Woll is “close” to returning and Carlo is good to go.
Quotes from Craig Berube via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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