Mark Masters

And he felt like they were good talking about the mental grind that the team's going through, that they're falling behind early in these games at home, which is taking its toll.

So, you know, they are kind of hashing things out about how to be more patient and stuff.

But, you know, Austin, for the most part, trying to keep the focus on the team as a whole right now.

I put in requests every day when I'm covering the Leafs.

I covered the Marner availabilities on that Friday.

I know a lot of my colleagues did, so I wasn't in the Leafs dressing room after the game Friday.

I did make it for the end of the availability,

on Friday morning, but a lot of media were at the Vegas hotel, and then we're all waiting outside the Vegas room to talk to Mitch after the game on Friday.

But, you know, oftentimes reporters will put in requests.

Ultimately, the team will make the decision.

I know, like, yesterday, for example, one of the players requested was Scott Lawton, but instead we got Joseph Wohl.

So the team can make changes as they see fit depending on the game.

Sometimes there's a player getting treatment.

Sometimes a player just needs a break.

In the case of that game, I'm not sure what happened Friday morning.

I do not believe Matthews was among the requested players after the game Friday night.

I know if I had been there at the Lisaville on Friday morning, I definitely would have asked to talk to Austin because I love asking him Mitch-related questions.

So I would have jumped at that opportunity.

But that's how it usually works.

And usually the requests are granted.