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“They’d be incredible away from Toronto”: Matthew Tkachuk defends the Maple Leafs
Félix Forget
“They’d be incredible away from Toronto”: Matthew Tkachuk defends the Maple Leafs
Credit: Getty Images
The Maple Leafs are clearly the talk of the hockey world. Yesterday’s humiliating defeat by the Panthers has left its mark, and we sense a wind of change blowing through Toronto.

Will it be Brad Marchand or Jonathan Marchessault? Who knows?

That said, it’s been interesting to watch the Panthers give love to the Leafs since yesterday. Paul Maurice insisted they were “much better” than they were two years ago… and Marchand noted how the pressure on their shoulders makes no sense.

And today, Matthew Tkachuk took a trip to the Spittin’ Chiclets, where he made comments very reminiscent of those of his teammate:

If they didn’t have to deal with the circus in Toronto, they’d be an incredible team. I feel bad for them. – Matthew Tkachuk

It’s no surprise: there’s a lot of pressure that comes with playing in a market like Toronto. And Tkachuk is right about one thing: it’s definitely not the same reality in Florida, which means players probably breathe a lot easier.

And for guys like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner who seem to have trouble coping with the pressure, maybe another market would be more comfortable for them… and maybe it would help them perform in the playoffs.

That said, the entire Core Four made the decision to sign a long-term contract in Toronto… and this pressure didn’t start yesterday morning. The guys knew what they were getting into, so at some point they have to take the responsibility that comes with it.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, as the saying goes.

And it makes you wonder whether Marner and Tavares, who will be free as a bird in a few weeks’ time, will make the decision to get out of the kitchen. In big markets, players are adored when they perform, but criticized when they don’t deliver.

That’s not for everyone… and maybe that’s where the Maple Leafs have escaped in their team-building. Let’s see how the club handles it over the summer.


Overtime

– Speaking of the Maple Leafs.

– One to watch.

– The Hurricanes are ready.

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