Former Maple Leafs forward Kris Versteeg had some harsh words for Mitch Marner and Captain Auston Matthews ahead of Game 5 against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.
Ahead of Game 5, most believe it might be time to break-up Matthews and Marner in the hopes of getting them going offensively.
Despite Matthews recording 10 points in 10 games this post-season, Matthews has struggled to find the back of the net, tallying just two goals so far. The Leafs' Captain has not scored since Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators and in 9 career playoff games against the Florida Panthers has not registered one goal.
Whatever injury is ailing the 27-year-old has certainly affected his finishing ability, as he is shooting just under 6-percent in the playoffs compared to his 12.6 shooting percentage in the regular season and still well below his career average above 15 percent.
In Marner's case, he too has produced with 12 points in 10 games, but has not registered a shot on goal since Game 2 against the Panthers.
As the Leafs get production from other members of the forward group and the blueline, former Leafs forward Kris Versteeg was on 'The JD Bunkis' podcast Tuesday where he called out two-thirds of the Leafs' top line for their lack of production.
"If your stars don't score, you're not going to win... When you are put on the ice so much more than the guy sitting next to you on the bench, you have to score. You have to show up."
Versteeg is saying what everyone is thinking ahead of Game 5. With a pair of days off, Leafs Nation is hopeful that Matthews will be able to finally find the back of the net in a must-win game, much like he did in Game 6 against the Senators. As for Marner, we just hope he finally registers a shot on goal because good things happen when you put the puck towards the net.