Date: November 5, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
After the Maple Leafs’ 5–3 win over the Utah Mammoth, head coach Craig Berube praised the team’s “smart game,” John Tavares’ milestone moment, and the bounce-back efforts from Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua. He also touched on Auston Matthews’ renewed energy and the team’s focus on playing more north-south hockey.
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On the Team’s Overall Effort
“Good, solid effort all around. I thought we played a smart game. It’s a good team over there — they’ve got a lot of good offense and fast players. I thought we did a good job keeping them at bay for the most part. Penalty kill was good, and I thought everybody contributed tonight in their own way.”
On John Tavares’ 500th Goal Celebration and Game-Winner
“Yeah, it’s a great moment for him — well deserved obviously, and we’re all very happy for him. It’s great to see him get that one tonight. Like I said before, for me, I’ve really enjoyed being around him and coaching him the last year and a bit.”
On Matias Maccelli’s Response After Being Scratched
“I’d always say [a scratch] is more positive than anything, for the most part. Sometimes it’s about decisions, lineups, bodies — but in Maccelli’s case, I thought he could give us more, and he did tonight. It just depends on the situation.”
On Maccelli’s Goal and Dakota Joshua’s Play
“I think [Joshua’s] been coming for a while now. He’s back to playing the way I’ve seen him play before — heavy guy down low in the offensive zone, hangs onto pucks, makes plays, and good around the net. He’s physical every night, kills penalties, and that line’s been trending in the right direction.”
On Auston Matthews’ Energy and Scoring Surge
“More energy and life to him — he feels like he’s got a lot more jump in his game.”
On the Team Returning to Their Style of Play
“I thought we did a good job of making good decisions with the puck for the most part. A lot of zone time, got on their defense, wore them down, made them play in their zone. It can get a little boring at times, but it’s effective. Just wear them down and stay patient. We did a good job of it last year, and we got back to it tonight.”
“If you look at the shots, we only gave up 23, which is great. We had a lot more attempts, but missed the net a lot tonight — could have had more shots on net.”
On Anthony Stolarz’s Empty Net Attempt
“I don’t mind it. Up two goals — just got to raise the puck a little higher. The guy that caught it, he was pretty tall.”
On Easton Cowan’s Development
“I’ve been happy with Easton. He wasn’t going to play tonight, but for me, a young player, I think he’s shown he can play in the NHL and be a good player. It’s just the process with them a little bit.”
On Scott Laughton’s Return
“Him and Lorentz provided a lot of real good energy for us with Max — that line skated hard, was effective, hounded pucks. I really liked them tonight and their energy on the bench. A lot of chatter and talk — it was great having both those guys back.”
On Hall of Fame Weekend
“I always think it’s a great weekend. Congrats to all those guys — well deserved, all of them. It’s always a special time, and very special for the guys getting put in the Hall of Fame. They’ve played great hockey and done great things — that’s why they’re going in.”
Pulse Takeaway
Craig Berube praised the Leafs for a complete, patient win built on structure and smart puck play. He highlighted Tavares’ milestone night, Maccelli’s strong response after a scratch, Joshua’s physical resurgence, and Matthews’ renewed jump. With solid defense and contributions across the lineup, Berube called it a “good, solid effort all around.”
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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