Auston Matthews Assigns Blame After Maple Leafs' Loss to Kraken

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ loss streak deepened Thursday with a 5-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken.

It marked Toronto’s sixth straight loss and capped a rough stretch that exposed familiar flaws. Defensive structure broke down again, goaltending help was thin, and the Leafs failed to show fight.

The defeat followed a five-game homestand sweep where Toronto lost to the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild. Most games showed similar issues. Early goals against forced chase mode, and mistakes piled up when pressure rose. The Kraken loss fit the same pattern, despite improved effort.

Speaking after the game, captain Auston Matthews pointed to repeated errors.

“I think it’s kind of similar stuff,” Matthews said. “I thought just costly mistakes. Obviously, cost us and the puck was in the back of their net, but I thought tonight we competed pretty hard. And you know, I think with that kind of effort, you’re going to win more times than not.”

Matthews admitted that errors compounded and ended up deciding the outcome. He also mentioned that several areas still need cleanup.

“But obviously, when you’re going through a tough streak right now, a tough, just a tough time, a lot of adversity,” Matthews said. “You know, sometimes those costly mistakes, they compound back to back and that’s kind of what’s going on right now.

“But, I thought our effort tonight was obviously much better, but you still end up on the wrong side of it. And you know, definitely some things that we can continue to clean up.”

Seattle controlled momentum with quick strikes. Shane Wright scored twice, and Brandon Montour and Matty Beniers also scored. Joey Daccord made 29 saves, and Jared McCann scored into an empty net.

Toronto received goals from Nicholas Robertson and Morgan Rielly. Anthony Stolarz allowed a goal on the opening shot for a second straight start and finished with 17 saves. Toronto fell to 0-5-1 over its last six games.

Toronto Maple Leafs, from left, defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward Auston Matthews (34), forward and others celebrate a goal.Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

(Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images)

Matthews remained scoreless against Seattle and finished minus-one. He still leads the Leafs offensively this season with 26 goals and has 45 points in 48 games.

Toronto turns its focus to visiting the Vancouver Canucks at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, searching for answers as pressure builds.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Auston Matthews Assigns Blame After Maple Leafs’ Loss to Kraken

Tags: