Craig Berube says Auston Matthews’ injury was a wake-up call for Maple Leafs after lengthy losing streak

It might be too little too late, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have played to Craig Berube’s vision over the past couple of games.

After an eight-game losing streak with the trade deadline in the middle of it, captain Auston Matthews suffered a season-ending injury against the Anaheim Ducks after taking a knee from Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas. The Maple Leafs won that game and collected three of a possible four points in their next two games. Head coach Craig Berube says that he’s proud of the way his team has responded since Matthews’ injury, revisiting the play and the importance of sticking up for each other daily.

“Sometimes it’s a wake up call, it really is,” Berube told reporters. “I can’t to allude to that’s why, but I look back from that game on, and how competitive we’ve been, how physical we’ve been, it’s been a big difference for me.

With Chris Tanev being injured for the better part of the season and veteran Oliver Ekman-Larsson missing Sunday’s game due to the birth of his child, players like Jake McCabe have stepped up to pick up the slack. Berube talked about McCabe’s toughness and how it’s something younger players around him can learn from.

“That’s the compete part, right? Berube continued. “Blocking shots and all of those things like that are huge in games, and they’re a big part of how you win in this league. That commitment to doing that, and the guts to do it. I mean, he’s been a warrior for us all year.”

With several players gone at the trade deadline and the Leafs on the outside looking in, the team has used the past couple of weeks to get a look at some of their players on the Marlies. Bo Groulx has stepped up to the plate, with three goals in four games since his call-up including a two-goal performance in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Wild. Berube talked about the importance of a good farm system and alluded to Groulx’s performance.

“He’s come up and played really well, so has Q [Jacob Quillan],” Berube said. “It’s good to see these guys at this point and see what they can offer us and he has for sure. Your farm system is an important part of your organization, because you need these guys throughout the season, right? It’s nice having the team right here, it’s close, but it’s a big part of the game, having a good farm system.”

The Leafs will look to keep the vibes up with a win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.