NHL Playoffs: Auston Matthews gets clear message from Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube after Game 6 vs Panthers

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round series between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to deliver high-intensity moments. After receiving heavy criticism for his performance, star forward Auston Matthews scored the goal that gave Toronto the win in Game 6, forcing a Game 7 and earning praise from head coach Craig Berube.

It seemed difficult to imagine this scenario when Florida, the defending champions, came back with three straight victories, including a dominant 6-1 win in Game 5, leaving the Canadian team on the brink of elimination and its stars under intense media scrutiny.

The Maple Leafs responded with resolve in Game 6. Matthews returned to the ice after a scare involving an eye injury and sealed the 2-0 victory in the third period with his first goal of the postseason, sending the series to a decisive Game 7.

Berube’s message for Matthews

Coach Berube gave his reaction to Matthews’ performance. “For me, Auston plays 200 feet on all nights. He touches all areas of the game. And he scored a big goal for us tonight, obviously,” the Maple Leafs head coach said at a press conference.

Craig Berube, the coach of the Maple Leafs

“Again, it starts with his determination and leadership that way. It rubs off on the rest of our team when they see him going the way he was going tonight. I thought he was very determined. He competed extremely hard. He touched all areas of the game,” Berube said.

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Auston Matthews overcomes injury scare, sends message after Maple Leafs’ Game 6 win vs Panthers to force decisive Game 7

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

After the Game 6 victory, the series between Florida and Toronto will be decided in an intense Game 7, set to take place on Sunday, May 18 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference Final to face the Carolina Hurricanes.