Date: November 26, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
Following Toronto’s 2–1 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Craig Berube broke down Joseph Woll’s strong performance, Auston Matthews’ return, Easton Cowan’s confidence, and the team’s ability to grind out a win on the road.
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On the PK and the Team’s Start
“Good PK in the first period. The period was even, but we got three penalties and the guys did a good job killing them and the goalie was solid. Second period I thought was pretty good — low event, but we played properly. In the third, some situational play gave them opportunities, but we found a way to win. The goalie was really good, and the three guys that came in after being injured were pretty good for us tonight.”
On Joseph Woll’s Performance
“I thought his battle was really good. He fought through traffic and was seeing it really well tonight.”
On Woll’s Form Since Returning
“He looks sharp. He looks like he’s on his toes and seeing the play really well. He’s playing a lot of pucks. He’s definitely sharp and making some really good saves.”
On the Matthews Line and Moving Max Domi to the Wing
“Just to get Max out of the middle and put him on the wing. They have familiarity. It evened the lines out with different looks and gave us a checking line. I thought Auston had a good game — competitive, worked extremely hard, won a lot of battles. He was good.”
On the Quick Response After Going Down One
“For sure. That line did a good job and got us a goal back — Cowan — and we ended up winning in OT. Hopefully we can get some swagger and confidence going into the next game.”
On Easton Cowan’s Continued Growth
“He’s playing pretty good hockey. There are mistakes — he’s a young kid — but he learns from them, he listens, he wants to get better. He’s got ice water in his veins. He doesn’t feel the pressure, he just plays. He knows his capabilities.”
On Rolling a 5-Forward Power Play Look
“There was a point before Matthews got hurt where we rolled him up top. I like the quickness he plays with and the shot — getting it to the net with numbers. He distributes the puck well and moves it quick. That was the thought process, similar to last year.”
On How It Looked Tonight
“There were some good things, but we gave up that rush. We’ve got to be better there — can’t dive in, have to get back. We can’t make that play. There were opportunities in the second period on the power play where we rolled into the middle, but we’re not looking to shoot right away. We’re looking for a better play at times and we don’t need to.”
Pulse Takeaway
Joseph Woll’s battle level anchored the Leafs, while Easton Cowan continues to earn the trust of Craig Berube with poised, pressure-free play. Despite a few loose moments, Toronto’s structure held up long enough to grab a gritty overtime win on the road in Columbus.
Quotes from Craig Berube via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.