Nick Turchiaro | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Craig Berube Addresses Biggest Maple Leafs Problem

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 9:19 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered Saturday looking for a bounce-back win after a 4–0 shutout loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

Instead, they dropped another game, this time 5–3 to the NHL-worse Nashville Predators, who moved up the standings to leave the 32nd place and overtake the Chicago Blackhawks due to tiebreakers.

Toronto, after leading late in the second period, let the game slip in familiar fashion and fell to the bottom of the Atlantic Division, marking the Leafs’ fourth loss in five games.

The Predators tied the game with 34 seconds left in the middle frame and added three more goals before the final horn, two of them into an empty net.

️| Craig Berube | Post Game vs. Nashville Predators | Dec 20 pic.twitter.com/KV451M4Cav
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 21, 2025

After the game, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was direct when asked to assess the team’s biggest issue.

“It’s mental, for sure,” Berube said. “You know, we got to get through it. We got to get over that. We got to make better decisions throughout the game.”

The Leafs' head coach expressed frustration with the group’s mindset when holding leads.

“Seems like we kinda sit back when we have the lead, and then we just wait to see what they bring to us, instead of keep pushing and trying to get the next one,” Berube said.

Berube confirmed that he will consider lineup changes for Sunday's game against the Dallas Stars in the second leg of this weekend's back-to-back.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube during a break in play.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Captain Auston Matthews, contrary to Berube, sent a more positive message after the loss to the Predators.

“I think mentally we’re fine,” Matthews said. “Even though you’re leaving the rink upset not getting any points, the process … is something that we can take and move forward with.”

Toronto plays in Dallas on Sunday, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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