Matthews Calls Leafs' Play 'Embarrassing' Before Trade Deadline

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews bluntly assessed his team's recent performance after a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. 'It was embarrassing to be honest with you,' Matthews told reporters. 'We have to have more pride in our play.' The defeat pushed Toronto to last place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division with a -15 goal differential, the worst mark in the division.

Since the Olympic break, the Leafs have lost to the Lightning, Panthers, and now the Senators, outscored 14-5 in those games. With the team clearly struggling, a significant trade deadline sell-off appears imminent as Toronto will soon be playing for pride only.