Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Trolls Reporter Over Absurd 4 Nations Final Question
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews did not take too kindly to a reporter's absurd question following his 4 Nations Finals loss to Team Canada.
With the thrilling conclusion of the 4 Nations Finals in the rearview mirror, Canada walked away as champions after a thrilling tournament that showed just how passionate both the players and the fans are when it comes to representing their country.
But there can only be one winner, and for Leafs captain Auston Matthews, he was on the losing end as part of Team USA. Looking ahead to the season, Matthews took umbrage with a reporter's absurd question ahead of Saturday's game.
When asked about nearly deflecting the pass from Leafs teammate Mitch Marner that found Connor McDavid's stick, Matthews was a bit stunned and had a cheeky response to the egregious question.
Matthews' body language tells you all you need to know beyond the short comment.
Clearly frustrated at the result, being reminded of how he was front and center of their loss clearly bothered Matthews, and he's a bit fed up about things he can't change.
Auston Matthews' Comments Show He's Focused On Maple Leafs
He's not making excuses, he's not saying 'Oh we could have had them if"; Matthews has taken his loss in stride, admitted it sucks, and is focused on the Maple Leafs' season.
There's no point in reminiscing about what could have been because it changes nothing.
While the stakes were certainly high, there's no doubt that Matthews will get many more chances at success with the Olympics, and World Cup in the future.
So the focus has to shift to the rest of the regular season, and with just over 25 games left in the year, Matthews has to show up these last couple of months.
This season hasn't been the best for the captain, as he's dealt with two separate injuries that kept him out for 15 games, plus dealt with an injury scare during the 4 Nations itself.
Matthews, even in a down season has still managed 20 goals and 25 assists in 40 games although he's on pace for some of the lowest numbers of his career.
It remains to be seen if the Maple Leafs captain can gather his bearings and focus towards helping the team or if it'll take a game or two to mentally reset.
But if Matthews comes back focused, that's a blessing for the Leafs and a curse for the rest of the league.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531249.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
