Auston Matthews Admits To Critical Mistake That Sparked Senators' Shorthanded Goal

Although it wasn't the result the team had hoped for on Tuesday night, the Maple Leafs still hold a one game series lead as they head back to Ottawa with the goal in mind to crush the dreams of the Senators and their fans with a visiting victory and seal things off once and for all.

But if they want to do that, they are going to need to stop making some pretty careless mistakes in addition to picking up the offense.

Being shutout when you have that much firepower, and several power play chances with a top PP unit; they need to score.

It was Ottawa who did all the scoring however, to the tune of a 4-0 win.

One of those goals was a shorthanded one courtesy of Dylan Cozens.

Captain Auston Matthews was responsible for the errant pass that led to the goal, and now he's taking full responsibility.

As he should:

Mistakes happen, but for one of the world's greatest players, there needs to be a tad bit more awareness, especially with the urgent nature of a penalty kill.

There's very minimal chances to score, and while it seems like they need to do so at every turn; letting Ottawa not score is more imperative.

Clearly, Matthews was frustrated, and deposited a brand new stick into the boards in anger.

Hilariously enough, it feels like this is a common occurrence for the captain, as the equipment manager was seen in the background already grabbing a new stick as soon as he saw Matthews raise his up.

It's a sign that perhaps Toronto is feeling the heat when it comes to closing the series out, and with all the pressure in the world on their shoulders, the cracks are starting to appear.

Matthews has one goal this series, and needs to score more.

He can add all the assists he wants, but when push comes to shove needs to be better.

It doesn't quell any injury concerns, and if he's not able to put it together; it's going to be arguably the most dismal failure of his era.

The team as a whole needs to be better, and while Craig Berube might not want to make any drastic changes, there are only two games left to get it done.

If not? They're going to be finished.

In more ways than one.