Date: November 28, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
Following Toronto’s 4–2 loss to the Washington Capitals, head coach Craig Berube discussed missed opportunities, defensive miscues in the third period, the decision to scratch Max Domi, and how the group can reset heading into the next game.
For more Maple Leafs coverage, visit the Maple Leafs section on Toronto Sports Pulse.
On What Stood Out in the Loss
“We did a good job getting a lead. Killed those penalties and scored off one. We had our looks too — we just didn’t capitalize on some of them and made a couple mistakes in the D-zone in the third period.”
On What Went Wrong in the Third Period
“I don’t know if it got away from us. If you look at scoring chances, we out-chanced them that period. But in the D-zone, a couple times they had plays. On one goal we didn’t seal up — we got stick-lifted and they made a play off the wall to Ovi. We’ve got to have that back door sealed up. On the next goal they were roaming around and a seam pass got us again. We’ve got to be better with sticks and coverage.”
On Missed Finishes
“We had opportunities to finish on some plays. We had three breakaways and we’ve got to finish. We didn’t finish.”
On Getting Zero Power Plays
“I don’t think it’s on us. We worked and competed and had good O-zone time. It’s the way it goes sometimes. I don’t know what to say about it.”
On Keeping a Positive Outlook Heading Into the Next Game
“It’s the only way you can look at it. We’ll look at stuff, fix a few things, and keep going. If we finish better tonight, we win this game.”
On Scratching Max Domi
“I’ve got to look at the lineup and what I think is best for tonight. That’s part of it. I talked to him about getting a reset and we’ll see about tomorrow if we get him back in.”
On Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli Returning
“I liked Joshua tonight. Maccelli did some good things with the puck at times. Other times he didn’t get pucks out enough. But he made some things happen in the offensive zone. I thought Dak was engaged and physical. He was a pretty good player tonight.”
Pulse Takeaway
Toronto generated enough chances to win — including three breakaways — but a lack of finish and a pair of costly defensive lapses opened the door for the Capitals’ comeback. Berube emphasized the positives in structure and effort while stressing the need for sharper details and composure in the D-zone. A needed reset awaits as the Leafs regroup for the next one.
Quotes from Craig Berube via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.