Auston Matthews’ playoff accusation reaction has fueled intense backlash among Toronto Maple Leafs supporters, who now point fingers at Mitch Marner following the team’s crushing Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers. The fallout escalated after Marner, recently traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, revealed discussions about life in Vegas during the 4 Nations Face Off, raising questions about his commitment during the postseason.
Matthews’ Comments Ignite Controversy Over Team Performance
After the Maple Leafs suffered a dramatic 6-1 defeat in the deciding game against the Florida Panthers, Toronto captain Auston Matthews remarked, “We had too many passengers,” alluding to teammates he felt didn’t show enough drive during the crucial match. This comment was interpreted by TSN analyst Cheryl Pounder as an indictment of the Leafs’ underperforming top players, with standout Mitch Marner’s name coming under spotlight. Marner, now on a major contract with the Golden Knights, is at the center of mounting fan frustration.
The notion of Maple Leafs players taking a passive approach during a pivotal playoff game has since become a rallying point for disappointed fans. Pounder’s perspective emphasized that the core of the team, including key figures like Marner, failed to deliver when it was needed most, contributing to the humiliating blowout that ended Toronto’s playoff run.
Outrage Intensifies as Marner Admits Off-Ice Vegas Discussions
The controversy deepened with Mitch Marner’s recent media appearance, where he was seen in a Golden Knights jersey. Marner confirmed that while participating in the 4 Nations Face Off with Team Canada, both he and his wife spoke with Vegas players about their experiences living in the city. Although Marner maintained he was not actively pursuing a move at the time, this revelation has struck a nerve with diehard Maple Leafs fans regarding his mental state during the playoffs.
#LeafsForever Mitch Marner admits he and specifically his wife were talking to Vegas players during 4 nations about what it is like living in Vegas. He’s been gone for a while… pic.twitter.com/5HctIw0dx7
— Deon Sutton IV (@SeanDutton1111) July 2, 2025
This admission was quickly seized upon by the Maple Leafs faithful, sparking a wave of angry reactions online. The phrase “too many passengers,” echoed by fans, resurfaced with increased intensity, directly referencing Matthews’ original critique and implicating Marner by association.
Auston Matthews: ‘We had too many passengers.’ HE KNEW IT LMAOOO.
— Deon Sutton IV (@SeanDutton1111)
Fans Accuse Marner of Mental Withdrawal During Playoffs
The uproar took a personal turn, with supporters suggesting Marner was preoccupied with his potential move long before the trade to Vegas became public. Many implied that his lack of focus negatively affected the Leafs’ Stanley Cup aspirations. One fan reflected on the bitterness of the failed playoff run and Marner’s mindset:
This hurts to hear… imagine what he was thinking during this playoff run. He knew it was his last chance to win.
— Unattributed
Other supporters intensified accusations, stating that Marner was already “checked out” before the playoffs concluded, diminishing his contribution during a critical opportunity:
That’s why the playoffs happened the way they did. He was already checked out.
— Unattributed
The frustration peaked when another voice in the fanbase lamented Marner’s premature focus on Vegas as a squandered opportunity for Toronto’s leading scorer and the team as a whole:
In our best shot at a stanley cup in this era, our leading scorer had one foot out the door.
— Unattributed
Accusations of Tampering and Official Inaction Surface
Tampering allegations soon entered the fray, with supporters demanding league scrutiny. Fans questioned if Marner’s conversations blurred the ethical lines of the NHL’s rules surrounding potential transfers:
Is this not literally the definition of tampering?
— Unattributed
The concerns went beyond disappointment in performance, suggesting the possibility of inappropriate behind-the-scenes negotiations affecting the Maple Leafs’ efforts on the ice.
What Lies Ahead for Marner and the Maple Leafs?
Despite tallying 13 points across as many postseason appearances, the criticism directed at Marner has only grown since the announcement of his move to the Golden Knights. For Toronto fans, the Auston Matthews playoff accusation reaction has underscored deep frustrations, with Marner’s off-ice activities and perceived lack of engagement now irrevocably linked to one of the franchise’s more painful playoff exits.
As Marner prepares for the next stage of his NHL journey in Vegas, questions linger about the full impact of his mental state on the Maple Leafs’ defeat, and whether team leadership like Matthews and organizations such as TSN will continue dissecting past failures. With the dust far from settled, the emotional fallout ensures that both Marner’s legacy and Toronto’s ongoing search for postseason redemption remain hot topics among hockey fans.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Auston Matthews hit 70?
A. Auston Matthews did not reach his goal of scoring 70 goals in one NHL season. Only eight players have ever done this.
Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov from Tampa Bay became just the fifth player to get 100 assists in a single season.
Kucherov’s achievement happened as the Lightning won 6-4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
Q. Did Auston Matthews get 70?
A. Auston Matthews did not reach his goal of scoring 70 goals in a single NHL season. He hoped to be the ninth player ever to do so.
On the other hand, Nikita Kucherov from Tampa Bay made 100 assists this season. He is now the fifth player in NHL history to achieve this.
The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Wednesday night.
Q. How fast can Auston Matthews shoot?
A. According to the NHL’s updated statistics website, Matthews’ fastest shot this season was measured at 147 kilometres per hour.
The new stats portal makes it easier to find details like this about player performance.
Q. What is Auston Matthews shot speed?
A. His fastest shot this year is 135.8 km/h. Last year, his top speed was 147.2 km/h. The previous season, he reached 151.5 km/h.
Matthews’ average shot speed this year is 79.7 km/h, which is lower than last year’s average of 82.3 km/h.