SPORTS

Phaneuf admits he erred not talking to media after loss to Blues

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, March 27, 2014 2:25PM EDT Last Updated Thursday, March 27, 2014 2:32PM EDT

File: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf looks on after deflecting a puck past his own goalie as the New York Islanders teammates celebrate during third period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

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TORONTO - Defenceman Dion Phaneuf admits he erred in not talking to reporters following the Toronto Maple Leafs' loss Tuesday night to the St. Louis Blues.

The Leafs captain blew off the media after the 5-3 home defeat, Toronto's six straight that left it in 10th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Not surprisingly, Phaneuf was harshly criticized for the snub.

On Wednesday, a day off for the Leafs, Phaneuf told a Toronto all-sports radio station he didn't speak to reporters because he was too emotional following the loss.

Toronto resumed practising Thursday and afterwards Phaneuf told reporters he should've made himself available following the loss to St. Louis.

Toronto visits the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night, one of eight regular-season games remaining for the Leafs.