The Leafs vow: "There is no good Auston Matthews can do that we cannot overcome"
OTTAWA, ON—Coming off an historic 4-goal debut by hotshot rookie Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their season opener last night 5-4, and say they hope this sets an example that no matter what the star rookie achieves, they will do whatever it takes to falter.
"Matthews looked great out there, really sensational," said coach Mike Babcock in a post-game interview. "And there's no reason to think that kind of performance won't continue, nor any reason to think the rest of the team won't give 110% to make sure we still find a way to get the 'L' each night."
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The Leafs vowed to go through this process one day at a time, and take a variety of fresh approaches to squandering Matthews' no-doubt stunning future performances.
"You've got to always change it up, be on your toes, do whatever is needed that night," said goaltender Frederik Andersen, who will be charged with the important task of allowing at least one more goal in each night than the phenom can score.
"He's amazing," said fellow rookie Mitch Marner. "There were times last night where… I hate to say this, but I honestly didn't know how we were going to pull it off in the end. But that's when you just have to relax, and put trust in your training and in the knowledge that the organization has found a way for many years, and you just have to do what has always worked, or to be clearer, what has always not worked."
The Leafs will play their home opener Saturday night against perennial rivals the Boston Bruins. "The pressure will undoubtedly be great on Matthews that night," said Babcock. "But he just has to focus on his job: doing almost as much as good as we can undo. I am sure he's up to the task, and so are we."
Oh, the long-suffering Leafs fan:
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