Kevin Bieksa makes his feelings known about Maple Leafs' disappointing loss against Capitals amid Auston Matthews absence

The Toronto Maple Leafs worked hard but lost 5-2 to the Washington Capitals without captain Auston Matthews on Saturday night. Kevin Bieksa, a former NHL defenseman and hockey analyst, shared his thoughts on the loss. He noted the team really missed Matthews.

"That’s a night where you need and miss Auston Matthews," Bieksa said.

Matthews has been sidelined with an upper-body injury he re-aggravated during a game against the Buffalo Sabres. The injury has kept him out of the lineup for multiple matchups.

Matthews missed nine games in November and went to Germany for treatment. Despite his efforts, he hasn't fully recovered. Matthews scored a career-high 69 goals last season, and fans had high expectations for him this season, but his performance has dropped. He has scored 11 goals and added 12 assists for 23 points.

The Maple Leafs created several scoring chances against the Capitals but struggled to convert. Coach Craig Berube said a few mistakes were costly.

“Probably three mistakes in the game that we made, and it went in our net,” Berube said (via NHL.com). “Played a pretty hard game, lot of opportunities, we didn’t finish.”

Despite the loss, the Maple Leafs showed effort throughout the game. John Tavares and Bobby McMann scored, giving the team a chance to stay competitive.

The Leafs showed defensive strength early but couldn’t maintain it. Nic Dowd’s second-period goal shifted momentum to Washington. Toronto’s effort was clear, but Matthews’ absence left a gap they couldn’t fill.

Currently, Matthews' return is uncertain, as the Maple Leafs prepare to bounce back in their next game. The Leafs will play against the New York Islanders on Dec. 31.

Auston Matthews' teammate Tavares on Leafs' loss

John Tavares has played well this season, with 37 points and 18 goals. He scored two hat tricks, one against Buffalo and one against the Winnipeg Jets. In the Leafs’ loss to Washington, he scored a goal. Tavares said they had chances but struggled on special teams.

“We certainly had chances, had looks,” Tavares said per NHL.com.“We were on the wrong side of it on special teams today. It’s just small margins, execution at times. We have to execute defensively and when we create offense, we have to find ways to break them down and beat their goaltender."

Since Auston Matthews took over as captain, John Tavares has contributed more to the Leafs' offense.