Auston Matthews Makes His Feelings Clear About Craig Berube’s ‘Overly Animated’ Timeout Despite Lead Against Kings
In a heated NHL matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings, Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ star forward, made headlines not only for his on-ice performance but also for his response to a moment of controversy involving St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube. During a tight game, with the Blues holding a lead against the Kings, Berube called an “overly animated” timeout that left players and fans alike questioning the necessity of the move.
The timeout, which came during a tense moment in the game, saw Berube animatedly instructing his team despite their lead. His fiery demeanor appeared to send a message of urgency, which some found excessive, considering the Blues were ahead on the scoreboard. The Kings were mounting pressure, and Berube’s timeout seemed to be a direct response to ensuring his team remained composed and didn’t let the game slip away.
After the game, Auston Matthews, who has a reputation for being candid with the media, didn’t shy away from giving his thoughts on the situation. In his post-game comments, Matthews expressed a mixture of amusement and mild disapproval regarding Berube’s approach.
“I get it. Coaches want to win. But when you’re up like that, I don’t know if you need to be that fired up,” Matthews remarked. “It seemed a bit much. We’ve all been in those situations where things get tight, but there’s a balance to be struck between motivating your team and, you know, overdoing it.”
Matthews, who has matured into one of the league’s elite players and leaders, seemed to suggest that Berube’s intensity could have had an adverse effect on the Blues. “Sometimes, when you see that much energy from a coach, it can make guys tense up. It’s important to keep your team focused but also loose. You don’t want to send the wrong signal, like you’re panicking, especially when you’re in control.”
The situation drew mixed reactions from NHL analysts and fans. Some agreed with Matthews, pointing out that Berube’s timeout may have fueled anxiety rather than calming his team. Others defended Berube’s decision, arguing that his passion and intensity are what have made him a successful coach.
Berube, known for his tough, no-nonsense coaching style, shrugged off any criticism in his post-game interview. “I call timeouts when I think they’re needed, simple as that. We had to tighten up defensively, and I wanted to make sure the message got across. That’s my job.”
Despite the timeout, the Blues managed to secure a hard-fought victory against the Kings, keeping their lead intact. Matthews’ Maple Leafs, meanwhile, continue their strong form, with the forward remaining a driving force for the team.
This moment between Matthews and Berube, while minor in the grand scheme of the NHL season, highlights the different approaches players and coaches have when it comes to managing high-stress situations. It’s a reminder that even when a team is ahead, the psychological game is just as important as the physical one.
