Craig Berube Reveals 'Difference' in Maple Leafs' Shutout Loss to Capitals

Craig Berube did not point to talent after the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Speaking after the game at Capital One Arena, Toronto’s coach said the main issue was effort. Berube said Washington played with more passion and urgency throughout the night.

“Ourselves,” Berube said about what made the Capitals a challenge. “You know, we had power-play opportunities. Power play was not good. It’s got to be a lot better.

“And to me, they played with more passion than we did tonight. I mean, that’s what it boils down to. It looked to me like they had way more urgency in their game, more passion in their game. That’s the difference.”

The coach also showed frustration with the team’s overall response. When asked why urgency was lacking, given Toronto’s place in the standings, Berube gave a blunt answer.

“Ask those guys, not me,” Berube said, showing his growing discontent with the team. He previously called out the Leafs’ leaders after a loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Toronto had several chances in the first period but failed to build momentum. Its top unit failed to win battles or make plays when needed. While the second unit showed some jump, the results never followed.

Berube admitted the loss was very disappointing and offered no defense for the performance. “Very disappointing,” Berube said three times. “I did not talk to them tonight after the game.”

A slow start again hurt Toronto, with just four shots in the first period. Berube noted that frequent special teams play disrupted flow.

“I mean, we got to get shots, but when you don’t execute, and you don’t look to shoot, just slow,” Berube said about missed power-play opportunities. “Well, I mean, I could keep going, but there’s no use in doing that.”

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) fist-bumps his son after a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington took control early and never let go. Aliaksei Protas and Jakob Chychrun scored in the first period. Chychrun added another goal in the third, while John Carlson finished the scoring. Goalie Logan Thompson stopped 22 shots for his second shutout of the season.

Toronto now sits at 15-13-5, out of playoff positioning for now. The penalty kill remains strong, but five-on-five play and power-play results lag. Turnovers and slow starts continue to cost points.

The Maple Leafs visit the Nashville Predators at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, where Berube will look for a sharper response.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Craig Berube Reveals ‘Difference’ in Maple Leafs’ Shutout Loss to Capitals

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