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Auston Matthews Loses His Cool on the Leafs' Bench Amid Humiliating Game 5 Against Senators

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 12:08 AM ET

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews lost his cool on the bench in frustration against the Ottawa Senators during their 4-0 loss in Game 5 in Toronto.

Life has suddenly become very uncomfortable for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were in firm control against the divisional foe Ottawa Senators in their 1st Battle of Ontario postseason series since 2004.

The Maple Leafs have seen their 3-0 series lead shrink into a 3-2 lead after the Senators have won 2 straight games, forcing a Game 6 back in Ottawa on Thursday.

In a scene all too familiar to Maple Leafs fans who still cringe at the thought of last season's opening round loss to the Boston Bruins, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was seen losing his cool on the bench and breaking his stick across the top of the boards:

It was reminiscent of last year's playoff series vs. Boston in which star Mitch Marner lost his cool during a disappointing loss on home ice while also arguing with teammate William Nylander.

Matthews was already feeling frustrated, having suffered an apparent injury; cameras caught him with an ice pack on his hand after blocking a shot.

He and the rest of his teammates were feeling frustrated as a whole after being unable to solve Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, who earned his very 1st career shutout in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After trailing 3-0, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke about the miraculous comeback that the MLB's Boston Red Sox pulled off over the New York Yankees in 2004.

Right now, Tkachuk and his teammates are halfway to history with a chance to continue the journey on Thursday night.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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