Auston Matthews faces harsh street chants as Maple Leafs miss playoffs
· Yahoo Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs crashed out of the NHL playoff race, and frustration has already spilled onto the streets. Fans reacted strongly after the team’s elimination, directing anger toward key figures, including Auston Matthews.
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A viral video shared by HFTV captured heated scenes from a crowd of supporters.
Some fans called the moment a “funeral” for the franchise, while others openly mocked the team. Chants against the Maple Leafs echoed, with rival Montreal Canadiens jerseys visible in the crowd.
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A fan wearing the Maple Leafs jersey said, “This is the most dog shit team I have seen in my [expletive] existence. Rest in peace. Rest in peace.”
Matthews became a central target of criticism. Several fans questioned his absence and impact, especially after his season-ending knee injury. Even younger players like Matthew Knies faced scrutiny.
“Where was Matthews? Where was Knies?” A fan said.
Others went further, chanting “Matthews sucks. Matthews sucks,” and another said, “[Expletive] the Leafs”.
The reaction also extended to management. Fans voiced anger toward former general manager Brad Treliving, reflecting deeper frustration with the team’s direction. One supporter even demanded a full rebuild, urging the organization to move on from core players.
“Trade Matthews, trade everybody. Get them the [expletive] out of here,” the fan said.
How did the Maple Leafs get eliminated from the playoffs?
Toronto’s disappointing season explains the backlash. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, ending a nine-year streak. A 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks confirmed their elimination despite six games remaining.
Injuries played a major role, especially Matthews’ absence during their important stretch. The roster also struggled after losing Mitch Marner in the offseason. Defensive issues and inconsistent goaltending made matters worse throughout the campaign.
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So, questions about effort and performance reflected the wider disappointment.
The Maple Leafs will soon enter a critical offseason with pressure building from all sides. Management decisions, roster moves, and leadership direction will shape the next phase.