Berube emphasizes team responsibility as Leafs struggle to close series against Senators

After the Toronto Maple Leafs failed to close out their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, head coach Craig Berube emphasized that responsibility for the team's struggles extends beyond just the highly scrutinized 'Core Four'—Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Despite the team's history of difficulty in clinching series and recent offensive struggles, Berube maintained that the entire roster needs to contribute, not just the top players. He acknowledged the need for improved offensive execution and better performance on the power play, while defending his star players from criticism. Berube called for calm and unity, stating he still believes in the team's ability to finish the series. The Leafs currently lead the series 3-2 after losing two consecutive games, with media and fans intensifying their focus on their longest-serving core. Veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly echoed the message to remain composed and stick together as a team.