""It felt like we were ready to play, it felt like we were in a good mindset," Matthews said. "I thought the first ten minutes they came out strong, and the next ten minutes I thought we controlled play, then I just thought we had too many passengers throughout the rest of the game. We just weren't on the same page.""
""This quote got fans into a frenzy for a couple of reasons. Was Matthews, who didn't have a point in the loss, referring to himself as one of the passengers, too? Was he calling out the entire team? And if so, why were there too many passengers? Who decided to show up and take it easy in by far the most important game of the season?""
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost Game 7 at home to the Florida Panthers by a 6-1 score and were largely uncompetitive. Captain Auston Matthews said the team had 'too many passengers' and that players were not on the same page. Fans debated whether Matthews included himself among the passengers or was singling out teammates and asked why key players appeared to underperform in the most important game. The loss triggered meaningful roster change: Mitch Marner later left for the Vegas Golden Knights and the Leafs entered their first season without the 'core four' label. The quote generated intense attention and debate.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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