NHL News: Auston Matthews sends strong message after Maple Leafs' loss to Brady Tkachuk's Senators

Auston Matthews reacted strongly to a setback in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs had everything in their favor to close out the series against the Ottawa Senators, but after a stellar performance by star Brady Tkachuk, the Battle of Ontario will have another chapter.

In Game 5, Tkachuk scored a goal in the Senators’ 4-0 win over Toronto, also adding two assists as he contributed to three of the team’s four goals. His performance was crucial in helping the Senators avoid elimination and cut the series deficit to 3-2.

Time will tell whether this intense series will reach a Game 7 or if Matthews’ Maple Leafs will manage to close it out and take a step closer to a deep Stanley Cup run. Leading the Atlantic Division hasn’t guaranteed an easy path forward for Toronto.

Matthews’ message after the loss to the Senators

“I thought, just, the execution at times wasn’t there. Obviously, they get the first goal and we’re just kind of chasing the game from there, but I thought we did good things. But in the end, there’s little plays, execution — it’s the small details. They made good on their chances and here we are,” Matthews said according to NHL.com.

Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthews’ words even apply to his own performance, considering that midway through the third period the Maple Leafs star hit the left post. Toronto struggled offensively and will now have to work on sharpening their aim during a critical moment of the season.

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What’s next in the series between the Maple Leafs and Senators?

Game 6 will be played Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators, who were down 0-3 in the series, will look to win their third straight game to even things up. The Maple Leafs will have to contain Tkachuk, who has recorded six points in his first five playoff games.