Is it weird for a coach to not talk to his team after a game, or is it extremely weird?

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller has drawn attention for not typically addressing his team after games, as revealed by captain Auston Matthews following his team's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. Matthews explained that Hiller's absence from post-game discussions is standard practice.

Unusual Coaching Approach

Matthews addressed the media about his coach's habit, saying: "He usually doesn't speak after games, so I'm sure we'll continue to try to clean some stuff up, go over video and make adjustments." The captain noted the team needs to minimize those big mistakes or turnovers, especially against other teams' top lines.

This unconventional approach has surprised many in the sports community, as post-game team talks are considered standard practice across professional sports, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the NHL.

Team Performance

The Leafs are off to a sub-.500 start this season, with a record of 8-11-2, placing them second-to-last in the Atlantic Division. This poor performance has intensified scrutiny of Hiller's coaching methods, including his decision to skip post-game team meetings.

While some post-game platitudes may not directly improve on-ice performance, the lack of communication from the coaching staff hasn't helped Hiller's popularity among fans during a difficult season for the storied franchise.