""I mean, it's tough," Matthews said via NHL.com. "Obviously, losing in overtime, a bounce here or there ... you never know what can happen. It's a game of inches. I think it definitely gives you a little extra motivation going into this year. "The Olympics is a bit of a ways away, but still, everybody's kind of got their mind on that just because of the importance that the Olympics brings to your country, the sport in general and just the opportunity to do that."
""I think there is definitely a lot of motivation for that and from losing that game. But I think we showed throughout that tournament we're right there with those guys, and we feel like we're the best hockey country in the world, and so it's going to be exciting to have an opportunity to prove that again.""
Auston Matthews took an overtime defeat to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off as extra motivation heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. The 2026 Winter Olympics serves as a major international target and fosters ongoing anticipation among players. Matthews emphasized the Olympics' importance to nations and to the sport and framed the tournament as an opportunity to represent one’s country. He expressed confidence that the United States ranks among the top hockey nations and noted that American talent is elite and competitive with Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs will balance club priorities with Olympic aspirations next season.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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