NHL: Preseason-Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: ImagnNHL fans mock Toronto Maple Leafs after preseason opener loss vs Sens despite Matthews, Marner & co. in the lineup. (Image Source: Imagn).

NHL fans took to social media to mock the Toronto Maple Leafs following their preseason opener loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Despite having a strong lineup that included Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and others, the Leafs fell short, losing 6-5 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena.

The matchup was significant as it marked the first game for Craig Berube as the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the first time Matthews took the ice as the team’s captain.

The defeat sparked a wave of ridicule from fans on X/Twitter, highlighting the ongoing frustrations surrounding the team’s performance, even in the early stages of the season.

One tweeted:

“Leafs starting lineup just got beat by a bunch of minor leaguers.”

Another chimed in:

“What an embarrassing loss to a team that didn’t play a single NHL player. Not a good start to the Captain Matthews era.”

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

“LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOUR WHOLE NHL TEAM LOST TO THE SENS AHL TEAM LOLLLLLLLL,” another wrote.

“No reason to hang your heads… your opening night lineup was able to take Jan Jenik and Co to OT…. Bright future for Toronto!” one X user humorously wrote.

“Absolutely incredible to get rinsed by the sens AHL squad when starting Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Reilly, and Pacioretty. Berube is so good.” another posted.

Jokes aside, one fan raised a legitimate concern after the Leafs’ preseason defeat.

“I know it’s only one game in the preseason, but the one glaring weakness that’s gonna be the Leafs Achilles Heel going into the season will be Goaltending. Woll looked terrible, not even AHL quality.. and he is healthy too boot.” one opined

 

Max Pacioretty shines for Toronto Maple Leafs in preseason defeat

Maple Leafs Takeaways: Pacioretty shines with two goals, assist as tryout continues

Despite the loss to the Ottawa Senators, Pacioretty stood out for the Leafs, delivering an impressive performance. The 35-year-old veteran winger recorded three points, scoring two goals during the game.

After the game, Toronto Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube praised Pacioretty, stating (via Maple Leafs Hot Stove):

“I thought he had a pretty solid game. I know he scored two goals, but he was strong out there. I thought he was physical and strong on pucks. He did a lot of good things.”

“Overall, he was noticeable to me. He was strong on pucks and physical. There are obviously things he can clean up, like everybody. We have a lot of work to do.”

Both teams return for their second preseason clash at Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday.