The Toronto Maple Leafs were abuzz with surprise and amusement before their game against the Chicago Blackhawks when an unexpected pre-game announcement was made. Head Coach Craig Berube had mistakenly listed Auston Matthews in a different position than planned, sparking a mix of reactions from the players.
*Player Reactions*
– *Auston Matthews*: Matthews, the team’s star center, was amused by the mix-up. He jokingly mentioned a previous incident where the Nashville Predators were penalized for a similar mistake and took the ice for the opening faceoff to avoid any potential issues.
– *Fraser Minten*: Minten, who was supposed to start in Matthews’ place, was initially unaware of the mistake. He later contributed to the team’s 4-1 win with a crucial goal in the third period.
– *Other Players*: The team’s players were largely entertained by the unusual situation. They appreciated the lighthearted moment before the game, which helped to diffuse any pre-game tension.
*Coach Berube’s Response*
Coach Berube took the mistake in stride, attributing it to the team’s computer system. He expressed a preference for the old way of writing lineups on paper, joking that “these computers screw everything up.”
*Game Outcome*
Despite the pre-game confusion, the Maple Leafs went on to win the game 4-1 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Matthews scored a goal after a month-long drought, and the team’s performance was strong overall.
The unexpected announcement added a touch of humor to the team’s pre-game routine, and the players’ reactions showcased their ability to stay focused and perform under unexpected circumstances.