NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: ImagnNHL fans react to Mitch Marner’s comments following Maple Leafs’ defeat (Picture credit: Imagn)

After the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 6-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mitch Marner spoke to the media. He called the team’s start to the season positive, except for this game. Marner said:

(0:31) “It’s been a positive start other than this game. What sort of response are you expecting on Thursday night? Gotta just flush this game down.”

Marner also mentioned that the team would take a day off to relax and prepare for their next game against St. Louis.

“I mean, we just talked about it. Day off tomorrow. Just relax, get your legs back in the end, be ready for a big game against St Louis.”

Here’s a full video:

However, Marner’s choice of words did not sit well with many fans on X (formerly Twitter), and they began sharing their opinions.

“Starting to hate this mentality,” a fan expressed frustration.

“Some days I want to flush him down the toilet,” another fan commented.

“Flush him as well . Sick of this guys meaningless drivel,” one X user said.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

“Get Marner out of Toronto asap,” a fan remarked.

“I hope the whole Leafs’ team took a turn at the toilet!” a fan said.

“Marner always says some stupid sh*t. How about you show up and compete,” a fan tweeted.

Mitch Marner reflects on Maple Leafs’ lack of competitiveness in loss

The Columbus Blue Jackets played well against the Toronto Maple Leafs, securing a victory at Nationwide Arena. Mathieu Olivier stood out by scoring his first two goals in the NHL. The Blue Jackets took an early lead, netting three goals in the first period. Justin Danforth contributed significantly with a goal and two assists, while Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko also helped boost the score.

Toronto faced challenges throughout the game, and Marner recognized their lack of competitiveness.

“Just not good from the start,” Marner said (via NHL.com). “Not competitive enough throughout the game. They brought their best and we brought our worst.”

The Maple Leafs managed two goals, one by Matthew Knies and another by Nicholas Robertson. Captain Auston Matthews admitted they were outskated and outworked.

“Neutral zone was the Autobahn for them tonight,” Matthews said. “They were just coming in, flying through. We just got our butts handed to us a little bit. It’s a busy week for us so there’s no time to sulk over this.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs will face the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.