Posted on 03/01/2026 4:21:06 PM PST by Libloather
Auston Matthews’ triumphant return to Toronto could have gone a lot worse.
The Maple Leafs recognized their three Olympians during Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators, their first home game since the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
At the first TV timeout of the contest, fans erupted in applause for Sweden’s William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson — before giving a mixed reaction toward the Maple Leafs captain.
Of course, the star center had more recently captained Team USA to its first men’s hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980 at Canada’s expense.
Jeers sprouted from the crowd as the PA announcer introduced the “gold medalist,” but they quickly evolved into a thunderous cheer as his position and name were called — complete with a standing ovation.
Following Team USA’s climactic overtime victory against its fierce North American rival, Matthews drew criticism up north for visiting President Donald Trump in the White House.
One fan even created an online petition, calling for the Leafs to oust the American from his captainship. In visiting Trump, the petition reads, “he missed an opportunity to stand for the values and beliefs that are important to many Canadians.”
But when presented with an opportunity to let Matthews hear it on Saturday, the Toronto faithful prioritized team pride over the international rivalry.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
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fixed it.
Well, he’s not Canadian, so there’s that. He’s an American. A winner. You wouldn’t understand. 😏
Still haven’t gotten used to the way parents named so many of today’s youngsters - “Auston”.
TEST
thunderous cheer....standing ovation.
Good sports, eh?
He was probably booed by many fans because he’s being honored for winning a gold medal at the Olympics with Team USA after years of disappointing playoff performances with the Maple Leafs.
Hey, it’s only fair for white kids to have their future employment prospects crippled with stupid spellings of names, too.
One might think that Toronto fans are used to disappointment.
But being from the Boston sports market, that feeling is fleeting. So much winning.
If it weren’t for Americans and Latinos, there would be no Blue Jays team - without Americans, they wouldn’t have a pitcher...but they get upset when some of their best hockey players decide to play for their own country...America.
Matthews has god given talent
Matthews hustled and played for Team USA
Matthews sulks and floats for his club team
That’s why he is a horrible pro
Psst...hey, moron, the values and beliefs that are important to many Canadians, are not the same as Americans, which is what he is.
Alberta has different values and beliefs than morons in Toronto!!
It is a Welsh spelling of Austin. I know because our oldest middle name is Austin, to celebrate his Welsh heritage. His brother is Ewan (Owen).
Or George Springer (from University of Connecticut) to help them reach the World Series...
Thank you.
I’ve seen Matthews maybe ten times (live) and never seen him sulk or float. Is he playing flat out? No, but that’s rare for anybody during the regular season.
I checked Selke votes (a trophy for forwards playing a 200 ft game) he’s been top 20 four times which means the voters are seeing the same thing I am, a 200 ft player who is also playing offense well.
Since last season when I see him, he looks injured and his shot looks different. Yet he’s still leading the Leafs in goals.
During the Olympics, Sullivan deployed him similar to the way he deployed Crosby in the playoffs, as a strength on strength center. It’s a carry the team move for him. Not something he would do if he was seeing a player floating or checking out.
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