Leafs nation clap back at Senators fans for "Matthews Balding" chant: "He just ended your season"

Modified Apr 25, 2025 10:37 GMT

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Leafs nation clap back at Senators fans for "Matthews Balding" chant - Source: Imagn

Toronto Maple Leafs fans responded to Ottawa Senators supporters after taunts targeting captain Auston Matthews' hair during Game 3 of the "Battle of Ontario."

The playoffs returned to Ottawa for the first time in eight years, but the Senators now face elimination after a 3-2 overtime loss, trailing 3-0 in the series.

Auston Matthews, who scored a goal in the game, was treated with "Matthews balding" chants inside the Canadian Tire Centre.

Here's how Leafs nation countered the Sens fans on social media. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

Maple Leafs on the verge of advancing to Round 2

After defeating the Ottawa Senators in Game 3, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one victory away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Leading the best-of-seven series 3-0, the Leafs need just one more win to complete a series sweep over the Sens. Should Toronto advance, it would mark only the second time since 2024 that the 13-time Stanley Cup champions have progressed beyond the first round.

Their most recent second-round appearance was in 2023, when they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round before falling to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Game 4 between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs returns to Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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