Ex-Capitals HC Bruce Boudreau makes his feelings known on Maple Leafs' 'big four' under Craig Berube

TSN analyst Bruce Boudreau spoke about the Toronto Maple Leafs winning five games in a row. The ex-Capitals coach believes that the Maple Leafs can still improve to another level. The Atlantic Division leaders (27-13-2) have opened up a six-point gap from the Florida Panthers at the top of the table.

Speaking with Jay Conrait, the host of TSN’s Sportscentre, on Tuesday, Boudreau said that Toronto is adapting to their coach, Craig Berube, who implemented a new play style for the team this season. The Maple Leafs have also been struck by injuries to some of their top players — Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander — though some are starting to get healthy and return to the ice.

“Auston Matthews has got seven points in the last three games, all wins by the Leafs,” Boudreau said. “By the way, Tavares gets his 20th. The Big Four are rolling. Matthew, Knies. You can go down the list of the players and look at the injuries they've overcome. They're not even 100% healthy yet.”

Boudreau was optimistic about the Maple Leafs’s chances for the rest of the season.

“I don't want to jinx them by saying they're the best and they're going to run away with things," Boudreau added. "But right now, I watch a lot of hockey, and I don't see a team that is as complete as these guys. And they win one-goal games; and if it's tied in the third, they know how to get it done. There's a lot of things to like about this team, and I think they're going to get better."

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews makes strong return from injury

Auston Matthews has been in excellent form after missing six games with a recurring upper-body injury. The Maple Leafs center has scored seven points in the three games since returning to the ice. On Tuesday night, Matthews scored a goal and assisted in Toronto's 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) skates to the bench after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. (Credits: IMAGN)

"I think every night I felt better, and, you know, I just want to keep that momentum going," Matthews said after the game. "I think my linemates have been making noise on me. The chemistry seems to be drilling really well. And you know, it always helps them. The puck was in the back of the line, so it kind of gives a little confidence."

Fans of the franchise will hope that Bruce Boudreau’s predictions are right and that Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs will raise their game in the coming weeks.