The Vegas Golden Knights suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Anaheim Ducks in their latest outing. Despite controlling large portions of the game, a costly turnover in the final minutes proved to be their undoing.
The culprit behind the game-changing mistake was none other than offseason acquisition Mitch Marner. The franchise believed adding the elite playmaker would elevate their championship aspirations.
However, his latest blunder had the hockey world questioning whether Vegas made the right investment.
How Did The Hockey World React To Mitch Marner’s Costly Turnover Against Anaheim?
When Marner signed with Vegas during the summer after the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade with Toronto, many thought that the winger would finally lift a Stanley Cup. And for the most part, it looked like that, with Marner getting 21 points in 21 games.
So when the Golden Knights faced the Ducks on Saturday, many assumed it would be an easy win for Vegas. But by the time the final buzzer went off, Anaheim had stolen a narrow overtime victory with a quick shot from Cutter Gauthier.
And there is only one to be blamed for it. Marner attempted a blind backhand pass in the dying minutes with Vegas protecting a narrow lead. The pass never reached its intended target, and Anaheim capitalized on the turnover to score the game-tying goal before eventually winning in overtime.
The ill-advised play immediately sparked backlash on social media. Former Maple Leafs fans who watched Marner commit similar mistakes for years weren’t surprised by what transpired. “Stupid blind backhand passes. The Marner kryptonite,” one fan posted.
They identified a pattern in the winger’s decision-making under pressure. Others took satisfaction in seeing Marner’s struggles now belong to a different organization.
“Enjoy Marner Vegas. He’s your problem now. Wait till he does that in game 7 of the playoffs lol,” another wrote, referencing his notorious postseason disappearing acts with Toronto. One supporter suggested Marner’s arrogance contributed to the costly mistake.
“Marner’s reaction when he finally realizes his own arrogant disregard for the opposition stinks and really bites him for the first time. Lol. Expect more of the same from such a lover of self.” Some fans pointed out that this represents nothing new for Marner.
“He makes flashy plays and brutal turnovers. This is nothing new,” one noted, suggesting Vegas should have known what they were getting. The turnover vindicated Toronto supporters who defended the decision to trade Marner.
“I wonder where all the people who said we traded the wrong player are at right now?” one Maple Leafs fan asked smugly. Others questioned what Marner was even attempting with the risky pass.
“Wtf was even supposed to happen if that went the way he envisioned it?” another fan wondered, suggesting the play made no sense even if executed perfectly.
The reaction highlights the double-edged sword Marner represents. His elite offensive instincts create spectacular plays that drive highlight reels. However, those same aggressive tendencies lead to careless turnovers at crucial moments.
Vegas knew the risks when acquiring Marner. Toronto fans warned them about his tendency to shrink in big moments and make questionable decisions under pressure. The Golden Knights gambled that changing scenery would eliminate those issues.
One game doesn’t define a player’s entire tenure with a new team. However, Marner committing the exact type of mistake that plagued his Toronto career doesn’t inspire confidence. Whether he can overcome those tendencies in Vegas remains the biggest question surrounding his massive contract.