Maple Leafs Forward Endears Himself to Toronto Fan Base With Very Competitive Comments

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs just around the corner, the Toronto Maple Leafs, alongside other contenders, are keeping a close eye on potential first-round matchups. Meanwhile, for teams like the Montreal Canadiens, the focus is still on securing a playoff berth.

Ahead of tonight's high-stakes matchup, Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz made it clear that the team won't be taking it easy on their Canadian rivals, regardless of national pride.

Sportsnet's Luke Fox shared some very popular comments from Lorentz this morning on X:

Lorentz also went on to talk about the rivalry between the Maple Leafs and their longest-standing rivals. As per Terry Koshan on X:

Montreal can clinch a playoff spot tonight with at least one point against the Leafs and a Columbus Blue Jackets loss, regardless of how it happens. A win is crucial for the Canadiens, and Lorentz wants to snuff out their playoff hopes, showing his true colours as a competitor.

On the other side, the Maple Leafs are pushing to clinch the division, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2020-21 season when COVID-19 forced the creating of the temporary North Division.

The team has already clinched a playoff berth and home ice for Round 1, with all signs currently pointing towards a first-round showdown against the Ottawa Senators.

In goal, Anthony Stolarz will get the start again tonight, further cementing his role as the likely Game 1 starter in the playoffs. His recent strong performances, including back-to-back starts, have made a compelling case.

Tonight's game will be anything but friendly. The Leafs are locked in, and as Lorentz made clear, there won't be any favours given, Canadian roots or not.