Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Pre Game vs Chicago Blackhawks | December 16, 2025

Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Pre Game vs Chicago Blackhawks | December 16, 2025

Uh I think I've told it before, but uh honestly not uh not one directly, but uh we used to practice at Pinepoint Arena right off the 401 there. Um and uh we practice Saturday nights, so me and my dad would stop at Harvey's after, grab a burger, and uh listen to the rest of uh the game with uh with him on the call. So those are uh those are memories that I uh I really remember and and uh remember them fondly with uh with my dad in the car. So it's uh it's special. It's special getting to know him and and uh hearing them and um just seeing them around all the time. So it's uh it's very cool. >> What age would you have been? >> That would have been probably 12 years old right around there. So it was uh yeah it was really cool. the the dads would always uh bring a little six-pack of beer and watch watch uh watch the game on uh they get the satellite TV going in the crowd and watch the uh the first couple periods and then I'd listen to it with my dad on the way home. So, it was awesome. >> So, what did you mean of the competitive challenge league this year with standings in the Atlantic Beach tit the only avalanche pulling way in the west? Yeah, it's uh yeah, there's a couple teams in the west there and and uh it's pretty wide open in the east. So, feels like uh when you lose um you drop quite a bit in the standings and when you win uh you kind of work your way up. So, you need to uh create some momentum and and uh have some uh string some wins together and and uh see what happens. But uh yeah, there's a lot of parody in the league and not sure what why that is, but uh it seems like a lot of it in the east right now. >> What do you like about the chemistry that you have with >> Yeah, we I thought we built it uh from training camp on. I think Cowboy makes a lot of plays and uh me and Stevie are pretty direct. So, uh, play with a lot of speed, talk a lot off the ice and, um, try and create and, um, it's been a lot of fun, uh, so far and and, uh, we got to keep it going. We got to keep, uh, creating for for us and and, uh, create some momentum, too. >> Nick was just saying he almost wants this group from his vantage point, have a road mentality here at home. How did he kind of find that? >> Yeah, that's exactly it. I think he's spot on. I think um a couple of our best games were were against uh Carolina and Florida and they force you to play fast. You play a simple game on the road and um they force you to play that way and and that's kind of the mindset we have to have coming into uh games at home where it can be a boring hockey game that you win 2-1 or or one- nothing. It's um it's cliche, but it's the truth. And uh we just got to simplify a little bit more. um be more predictable to each other and and uh good things will happen. You you can see it when uh when we're on and and uh can get going. So uh we got to start with it tonight and and uh get going here. >> It's funny cuz you feel like you can picture like snowy highway's voice like that. >> That's it. I can picture I you know I can see it in my mind right now driving home from the rink the exact route we'd take and you know you'd hear a holy mahon and you'd get excited. You know, sometimes you'd be dozing off in the back seat or something like that after maybe a trip home from a game on the road, but uh you'd hear that and I per ears would perk up right away and dad would tell me that someone scored. So, um like I said, definitely special memories that I got to share with my dad and a lot of that is because of Joe. >> Thanks. Do you remember that moment when not to get too sappy, but when you heard your name? Yeah, honestly it was like an Instagram reel that someone sent to me and cuz normally you'd hear the like the color commentators on uh like the highlights or something like that, but when I heard Joe say it, it was just like yeah, it was it was a cool cool feeling. Um hard to describe, hard to put into words. Again, it's it's years of hard work to be able to get to to this level and then to represent the blue and white and have him say the name just like that. And um like that's that's that's all I can say about that. It's it's a feeling you can't really put into words. It's very cool. Uh Scotty and Nick were both saying, you know, for this group to kind of get back to where it was momentum wise, almost like a road mentality here. >> Yeah, it's it's I think it's easier said than done. It's it's it's a mindset and um it's something that, you know, we we we should be able to pick up and it's it's not changing our game no matter what arena we're playing in, no matter what fans, whether they're cheering for us or booing booing us. Um it's a mindset going into the game that we got to be be ready for puck drop and that starts in warm-up. It starts with the pregame routines and all that. And um you know, I think we're we're still kind of getting to that spot where we're we're doing it on a more consistent basis, but there's definitely better that we have and we're aware of that. So, yeah. >> How frustrating is that? Maybe you're still working towards that. You're not there yet. >> It's frustrating, but it's it's also, you know, I've been around a little while now. It's a process, right? Nothing's going to happen. And from, you know, game one of the season, and it's just going to be uphill all the way to game 82. You know, there's going to be some highs and there's going to be a lot of lows. And uh I think that's kind of what brings a group together too. So you go through those battles and and it makes it that much sweeter when you you know grind out a win, maybe a close game. Um goalie makes some big saves, a lot of individual, you know, efforts that might not show up on the score sheet. It's those little things, those little rallies that you kind of got to get behind. And you know, that's what can bring energy to the group. And I think if we do a better job feeding off those little battles in in the, you know, the inside of the game that don't show up on the score sheet, um, like I said, that's that's what we can use as that that momentum to get us back on track. >> As you focus on your own game, it wasn't that long ago you saw Chicago. So, what sort of challenges do they give you? >> It's a good young team, a lot of skill, a lot of speed. They like to put pucks kind of in the neutral zone. They flip pucks and they use that speed and those young guys with those fresh legs, they'll try and take it wide and make plays in our end. So, I think if we just do a good job containing them, keeping them to the outside, if we play a good defensive game and we're strong in our Dzone, um I think we'll we'll have success. But, I think a lot of a lot of it comes down to us with our puck play, too. We can't be turning pucks over at the blue lines and stuff because they're so dynamic, they can go back the other way. So, if we do a good job holding on the puck so we're not throwing throwing them away and their defense can pick them off and go the other way, then I think we'll be good. >> Morgan, Joe Bowen's going to be uh honored tonight before the game. Just wondered, you've been here a while. Did you know about what he means to people around here before you came here? What have you learned? >> Um, I didn't understand the impact that he's had prior to being here. Uh, but it didn't take long once I got here. Um, you know, the amount of respect uh that people have for him around here is pretty obvious. And um, you know, he's he deserves that and um, and then some. Um, and I think the impact he's had on the organization and the and the people that have been here is I is big and um he's just really uh um you know special guy. >> You ever shoot on him? >> I've never shot him. >> The thoughts uh on this being his final season after so many? >> Yeah, I mean what a great career um and a great human being and just a huge part of this organization. Um, so, you know, he's kind of one of those guys that you never um imagine not being there or he's a voice that you always imagine, you know, being a soundtrack for this team. Um, so it's weird to think about, but um, he's just a really special guy that's had a a great career and, you know, we've all been lucky to to get to know him and to to hear his calls and, um, you know, it's been a lot of fun. How encouraging was it for you yesterday to see Chris Tanner back full practice? Seems to be making some progress. >> Yeah. Yeah, it was very encouraging. Um he's been working hard in this past um few weeks and um I mean doing everything he can to to you know stay in shape and you know do his part. Um so he's doing his best. What have you made of the competitive balance across the league this year, but the standing so tight in the Atlantic and seemingly really only the Avalanche pulling away in the West? >> Yeah, I mean I think that's um it's tight and um you know we're trying to make up ground and we're trying to get playing some good hockey and we're just kind of focused on on ourselves to be honest with you. And I think um I think that we are are in a spot where you know we have confidence in our group and you know when you look at the standings it's it's tight. So you know it's keeping everyone in it but uh you know for us right now we're trying to get our game going and and and try to make up some ground. >> What gives you that confidence? >> Uh I think you just have it. I think you know we believe in our group. I think that there's been periods of time where we play good hockey. I think if you if you look in the past um you know over the last number of years our team has been um you know at the upper end of the standings and um you know we believe in the people the structure the coach and you know everything we have going on um which is a great feeling and you know also makes it all that much uh more frustrating uh you know just based on the results we've had lately. Um but you know there's not a lot of doubt um uh that you know our group's going to be able to turn around and you know we believe in each other and um it's a great opportunity here at home tonight to to play well and uh you know try to earn two important points. >> Morgan Conor Madard made a statement this year out for this game. How does that change the approach to play against Chicago tonight? >> I think we keep it the same. um you know, he's a great player and you know, he is one of those guys that can kind of change your approach a little bit, but ultimately uh uh they're a good team. They have other guys that are having great years um and they're deep and so for us, you know, we're going to be ready to go. >> Morgan, you um one last thing, tomorrow, Team Canada plays its first preseason or pre-tuneup game. >> You've been part of the World Juniors. Um it's going to be the 50th >> anniversary of it. What do you remember of it as a kid and and how big it's become even since you played in? >> Um I remember watching as a kid and it it being, you know, a staple um in our house around this time of year. Um you know, you always knew who who the best junior players were. You always knew who was going to make that team and who um who those guys were like JT and and whatnot. And um I mean those are are are you know big uh moments in a young hockey player's childhood watching in Canada at least you know watching the World Juniors and um so it was a pretty important part of my life growing up and having the chance to play in that tournament was uh was special and I mean any chance you get to to represent your country is pretty cool and at that age um you know it's like the biggest thing going so uh it's a cool opportunity for those players. cares and even now I know that in our room we're talking about it and you know we'll be watching and cheering for our our guys. >> Thank you. >> So can you show us the shirt for one second? >> That's great. >> Thought on getting this thing back. You know you've got a big push here before the Christmas break. Just an idea of what this group needs to do to kind of find its way. >> I just think we got to start playing like it's a road game. I think Chief made it uh pretty obvious that we've been playing better on the road than at home. And uh I just think we got to have the mindset of coming in playing hard regardless of where we are. And um you know, I'm sure we just stick to our game. We'll get back on track. >> What are those differences? Like you talk about mindset, but what are the differences between home and road for you? >> Um obviously you don't have the home crowd with you. I mean um but I I don't know. I think it's just the way the season's going. Um it's kind of weird like that. you think you'd be playing better at home, but um yeah, I just think we just got to be as focused and and detailed and and be ready to go. >> What is it about Chicago? Um we saw him not that long ago, but what is it about them that makes this match up intriguing for you? >> Well, I mean, they have a lot of speed, a lot of talent. I mean, u obviously, I don't know if Bard's playing tonight, but um you know, this has a lot of skill, a lot of young guys, too. Um with that, I feel like we can just play hard. I think um you know if we get on them right away and stick to our game of playing physical and playing hard, we're going to get a lot of offense. >> You ask me in the morning, Nick, >> what was the take from that last game against >> Ed? I forgot. >> I just think we kind of let him back in the game. We had the lead there and and um third period I think was kind of a slow start for us and they got some momentum and obviously with the lead they had it's kind of hard to come back out of that. So I just think we got to like it's cliche but 60 minutes play through the whole clock there. How encouraging is it to see Tannis? >> Yeah, it's great. Obviously, it's unfortunate what happened to him, but um he seems to be trending the right direction. It's good to see him out there. >> What's been >> Sorry, it's Joe Ba night here. U wanted to ask what you do of Joe before before coming here. >> I mean, his voice seemed familiar. It took me a while to put the voice with a face and u he's a great guy. I mean, I I talk to him outside, you know, after games, whatnot, when I catch him. He's just a great guy and um he's been here for a long time and I'm happy we can honor him today. >> What do you think of that? You know, his voice is unique. It's tied to the Leafs. The fact that after this year, that's it. There's not Joe Bowen's voice will not be tied to this team. >> Yeah. I mean, it's uh it's sad. I mean, he's been here for a long time. Obviously, he's again, you put the voice to the team. I mean, uh the holy mol is something that's been here for a while. So, uh it's going to be weird, but again, I'm happy to honor him tonight. >> For you, it's been a little bit more personal. >> Yeah, my whole life. Uh he's certainly been a part of it. Um don't remember watching a Leaf game without tuning in and uh listening to his voice uh on TV, on the radio, whatever it might been. Uh driving to practice, driving to games as a kid. If I wasn't at the game, um obviously that's the voice you listen to. So um Scott and I talk about it. Steve, uh guys that grew up around here, I mean Joe Bones, man, he's the greatest of all time and what he does and his voice will be tied to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for for a lifetime. So, uh, pretty spectacular to be a part of it. >> Um, a couple guys just talking about how this group kind of to find that momentum again almost needs that road mentality here at home. How do you create that? >> Um, you know, I think, uh, tonight uh, we just got to get to two points. I mean, it's a big night for Joe and I think, uh, we're all going to be playing for him because ultimately it's, uh, cap the night off with two points is what it's all about. So, um, that's our main focus is is getting the win for for him tonight, him and his family, and, uh, obviously build that momentum into the road trip. >> Thank you. >> W back in tonight or >> Yeah, he's good to go. >> It's great to have him back and he obviously was playing extremely well before uh the injury. >> You've uh Yeah, Skullers played a lot before he got hurt. Joe did and then you know Dennis got a bulk of the games but is there a nice what's the option like I got to possibly alternate here a bit and not have to worry about playing >> Oh definitely I mean we all know overloading them um is tough a little bit at times and depending on the goalie. Um so it's nice that Dennis came in and played well and got some confidence here and we have confidence in him. So, you know, it's a we have a uh you know, we got confidence in both goalies. We can rotate them a little more. >> You still no word on on Anthony Stolars, you know. >> No, he um he is going to go and see somebody. Um and hopefully we get some good news out of it and he can help him a little bit cuz he's not making the progress that we thought he'd make. >> Is it a concussion? >> No. >> No, it's not. 100% not. >> What have they made of uh Henry Thrun in the in the few games? >> Pretty good. I mean, you know, um playing in the third pair, but you know, doing some good things and we want to keep him going here. You know, see if uh he can keep uh improving and um see where we get to with him. You know, he has ability. He has the ability to make plays. Um, so we've liked them so far. >> For the most part in the last five, seven, nine years, this team doesn't really go through, this team's typically in a playoff spot home and by Christmas or January, something like that. What they're going through this year, a lot more adversity, injuries, uh, losing. >> Is that could that be good in the long run to coming out the other end of it if they crawl back in and >> Yeah, possibly. You know, you go through a lot of adversity throughout the season. It seems like it's been there for quite some time with different things, right? Injuries and whoever goalies and it was all types of things. So, you just got to keep pushing here. You know, the stand standings are tight. We all know that. Um, you know, but we need to we need to start tonight and string some wins together and put us put ourselves in a better spot here by Christmas time. How much score watching do you do when you when you see Eastern teams playing Eastern teams in three-point games in the >> I don't think any more than normal than when I watch. You know, >> I've always said, you know, you got to you you can't scoreboard watch and worry about what other teams are doing. We We just got to focus on what we can do. That's all we can control. So, we try to keep it to that. >> What sort of response are you expecting from your top guys after the way? Oh, I think a good one. I do. I I you know, I think that um conversations that I've had with them and um last couple days um they know where we're at. They know they got to be better and I believe they will be.

Players and Coach address the media ahead of tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

00:00 Scott Laughton
03:04 Steven Lorentz
06:08 Morgan Rielly
10:54 Nick Robertson
13:10 Max Domi
14:16 Craig Berube

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