It’s been a tough week of press conferences for Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. Through back-to-back losses, Berube has been interrogated about his team’s inability to put the series away and the potential of blowing a 3-0 lead. So you can imagine he probably felt some relief to get to speak to the media under better circumstances Thursday, after his group’s 4-2 defeat of the Ottawa Senators secured their place in the second round.

Talking about the win, Berube praised the whole team’s effort, but singled out Auston Matthews in particular.

“Overall, it was a solid game by everybody, but I think our captain led the way,” Berube said. “I didn’t see him lose too many draws, starts there, and just heavy, physical, working, competing, touched all areas of the game.”

Matthews had the game-opener on the man advantage late in the first period Thursday, tucking a wrist shot in the lower corner from just outside the face-off circle. The power play marker set the tone for the game, seeming to reverse some curses facing the team. Matthews had struggled to score all series; the power play hadn’t clicked since Game 3, and overall, the Leafs have a poor record over the last decade in series-clinching games. Matthews’ game-opening goal swung momentum back Toronto’s way, and he supported it with a strong presence throughout.

However, it all came down to the third period in this one, with the Leafs looking to step up to the task of putting the Senators away for good. Down one goal in the last minute, with an extra attacker on the ice, Ottawa was pushing hard. Facing a slap shot from Jake Sanderson, Scott Laughton came up with a heroic block, turning it over to William Nylander, who tucked the game away with an empty-netter. After the match, Berube had high praise for Laughton and his invaluable contribution.

“What a block by Laughton at the end of the game,” Berube said, speaking on the strong performance from his bottom six. “That’s laying it on the line. That’s how you win a series right there.”

Toronto’s coach is no doubt happy to get involvement from the top to the bottom of his roster, as he has continued to put emphasis on needing contributions from his depth pieces in key moments. This serves a dual effect of bringing the team together, while taking some pressure off the Core Four, who have struggled in crucial situations in the past, allowing them to just play their game. And so far, Berube’s strategy has proven effective.

Now, the team will turn their attention to a familiar second round foe in the Florida Panthers. Berube will have to ensure his group is ready for what promises to be a fast and physical series, against an aggressive Panthers team hungry to defend their title.