Auston Matthews believes playoff losses will make winning 'that much better'

Auston Matthews and his teammates with the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely still haunted by how things went in the 2020-21 playoffs. After gaining a 3-1 series lead against the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto watched it all slip away once again with the Habs coming back to force, and win, a game seven to move on to the next round. As for where the team goes from there, Matthews told ESPN the losses will make winning that much better.

"It's tough ... it's obviously really frustrating. It sucks right now. People have opinions and they can say what they want, and rightfully so, but I really believe in the team and I really believe in all of the players on the team -- the core group especially. I truly believe that we're going to get it done. We're going to be better from our losses, and from the adversity that we faced," said Matthews.

"The only way is forward. [The playoff loss] sucked. There's no other way to put it. Extremely disappointing. But it'll just feel that much better when we eventually get to the top."

Leafs GM Kyle Dubas recently expressed a similar sentiment, saying he believes in the team's core and he's willing to "bet everything" on them being able to figure it out. Matthews said that's reassuring for the players.

"I don't think that's news to us. We know that's how he feels. When he reiterates that, it gives us confidence moving forward. That's all you can ask for: that your general manager and all your teammates truly believe in one another."

Source: ESPN.com

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