HC Craig Berube makes his feelings known after Toronto Maple Leafs lose 5-2 to Pittsburgh Penguins

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. It was their second straight defeat, following a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday. Despite showing effort and competing well, the Maple Leafs struggled with penalties and defensive lapses.

Coach Craig Berube shared his thoughts after the game, saying Pittsburgh’s power play made the difference, scoring two important goals. Berube felt the team worked hard but needed more urgency in critical moments. He highlighted the 6-on-4 situation late in the game as an area where they fell short.

"Their power play got a couple of goals. I thought it was a pretty solid game," he said. "We worked and competed. We took too many penalties. At the end of the game on the 6-on-4, we have to come up with a better play there and a little more urgency in our play, in my opinion."

William Nylander scored a power-play goal for the Maple Leafs, and Mitch Marner added his 10th of the season. Marner now has points in eight straight road games. Despite their efforts, the Maple Leafs couldn’t match Pittsburgh’s strong play, especially on special teams.

Toronto will aim to bounce back on Tuesday when they visit the New Jersey Devils.

Toronto Maple Leafs failed to answer Pittsburgh Penguins offensive onslaught

The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Maple Leafs 5-2 on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised the changed attitude of his team.

“As I said to the guys after the game, ‘What a difference a day makes,’” Sullivan said, per NHL.com. “I thought we were a different team tonight from the drop of the puck. It might’ve been the most complete game that we’ve played all year from start to finish.

Rickard RRakell gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal at 4:39 of the first period. Mitch Marner tied it 1-1 at 6:35, scoring on a rebound. Bryan Rust made it 2-1 at 14:15 with a one-timer off the boards.

William Nylander tied it 2-2 early in the second period with a power-play goal from the left circle. Michael Bunting scored the game-winner at 5:34 of the third, deflecting a shot during a power play.

Blake Lizotte and Kris Letang each scored short-handed, empty-net goals late in the game. Tristan Jarry made 25 saves for Pittsburgh, while Toronto’s Joseph Woll stopped 24 shots. The Penguins responded well after losing to the Rangers.