Auston Matthews tells Maple Leafs to keep competing as fans push for tanking
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Auston Matthews wanted his team to keep pushing forward and win ahead of a rebuild meanwhile fans are telling the captain to tank as much as possible as it might create a disconnect between the on-ice performance and the crowd’s reaction.
As the Maple Leafs stare a six game losing streak in the face, they are coming off the heels of a trade deadline where they saw three names head out of town while adding a bunch of draft picks; though not the return they had hoped for.
The captain is going to have to lead a misfit group of players for the rest of the year, and he gave his thoughts ahead of Toronto’s game vs. Tampa Bay, with him praising his recently departed teammates:
It’s always tough. Every year, you’re going to lose guys. Obviously, this year is a little bit different. Some great people, some great teammates, obviously great players. It’s always tough but you got to keep pushing forward.
Two great guys. Obviously Laughty fit in right away. He was only here for a year. I think a lot of guys knew him from the Toronto area. Incredible guy. Bobby had a long journey and path to where he is now. Incredible guy, teammate.
Matthews’ competitive spirit a double-edged sword for the Maple Leafs
But it was Matthews’ approach to the remaining schedule that may get some fans up in arms as he vowed to help the team try and remain competitive — which could end up ruining their chances at a prime pick:
We owe it to the fans who come and watch us play.
While a noble act indeed, fans would disagree and say the captain owes it to them to instead make the team as worse as possible in order to ensure Boston doesn’t walk away with a presumed Top-10 pick if they happen to pick things up.
The reaction on social media is directly against Matthews’ comments and fans are wondering why the team is even focused on a playoff run with a depleted roster:
One fan simply had a bold request for Matthews and the Maple Leafs as well:
It shows a clear disconnect between the on-ice product and the crowd. Obviously players hate losing and are going to put in an effort the rest of the way, but the crowd is half the reason why Toronto is so financially successful; without them they’re in serious trouble.
If Matthews and the team start jeopardizing things, they’re at risk of losing a lot of fans — and money.
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Auston Matthews tells Maple Leafs to keep competing as fans push for tanking
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