Auston Matthews And Mitch Marner Not on Speaking Terms Amid Tension Between National Teams
forward Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are headed toward a heated 4 Nations Finals and are taking things serious and keeping their distance.
With Team USA and Team Canada headed toward a heated Finals matchup at the climax of the 4 Nations Face-Off, it seems that tensions will be running high on Thursday.
Though it seems like that may have already been in full swing for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as it was reported that the two have not spoken to each other since arriving at the tournament.
It shows how serious both men take this tournament and though they said previously they were going to be friendly afterward; there's no time for pleasantries.
Matthews and Marner Focused On 4 Nations As Tensions Reach Boiling Point
With the two teammates refusing to speak to each other it brings a new wrinkle into this legendary rivalry. After the event of their first game, there's no doubt there will be more fireworks and Matthews and Marner will be front and center.
Both players haven't necessarily had the best tournament thus far scoring wise, as they have combined for only two points thus far, and aren't making the type of impact their team needs.
Matthews has had concerns regarding injuries and while he's good to go, it's something to keep an eye on. Marner has just not proven he can show up when it counts (minus an OT winner, but that was a lot due to Sidney Crosby).
Whoever wins the tournament will hold bragging rights and with the current record at 4-1 in favour of Matthews in international medals; Marner will be out to raise his stock.
This season for the Maple Leafs, Matthews has 20 goals and 25 assists in 40 games while missing 15 due to two separate IR stints.
Marner on the other hand, is having a career year with 16 goals and 55 assists in 54 games while being unquestionably the Maple Leafs MVP this season.
No doubt this tournament was one for the ages, and the Finals is already cementing itself as an instant classic before it even starts and could have the possibility of breaking records in terms of viewership given how the first game turned out.
Matthews and Marner will be front and center with only one thing on their mind: Winning.
