"Single worst performance this decade by 2 of the "Core Four": Leafs nation rips into stars Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner after loss to Hurricanes

Fans reacted as the Toronto Maple Leafs, led by Auston Matthews, saw their five-game winning streak ended by the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. The Hurricanes, who were 2-2-1 in their last five games, won 6-3.

The game began promisingly for the Leafs, with Nick Robertson scoring two minutes into the game (1:59) and William Nylander adding another at 7:29 of the first period. But the Hurricanes made it 2-2 with back-to-back goals from Eric Robinson (13:58) and captain Jordan Staal (14:15).

Staal gave the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead 35 seconds into the second period, but Matthews responded at 1:11 to tie the game again. The Hurricanes led 4-3 on Jackson Blake's ninth goal of the season as the game slipped away from the Leafs in the third period. Staal completed his fourth career hat-trick before Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-netter.

Disappointed Maple Leafs fans took to social media to express their frustration with the team's performance.

"This might have been THE single worst performance this decade by 2 of the "Core Four" Just flat-out an embarrassing effort", wrote one X user.

"Hopefully you do better Saturday because tonight was pretty cringe", wrote another.

"Let’s face it. Canes came to play .. And the Leafs didn’t. Period..", noted one fan.

Coming in atop the Atlantic Division with a 27-14-2 record, Auston Matthews and Co. looked vulnerable at the Lenovo Center. Their defense and goalie Joseph Woll's performances were particularly subpar, with Woll making 28 saves on 33 shots, dropping his save percentage from .914 to .848.

Fans expressed their disappointment, with many criticizing Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews for the lackluster defensive display.

"Top line was a joke, Mitch and Matthews brutal defensive play tonight. Not a good look against a team you had the chance to make a statement against. They've been pretty average or below quite a bit lately, but still managed to win lately", wrote one.

"Matthews and Marner each -6 on the night. Absolutely brutal play by these two “stars”! SMH. I guess they both need new mentors!", wrote another.

"Hell of a game by Matthews", noted one.

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Jordan Staal creates history as Hurricanes edge past Auston Matthews and the Leafs

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes - Source: Imagn

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their first loss of 2025, falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in their first of three meetings this season.

Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Leafs' top stars, including captain Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, were uncharacteristically ineffective. Meanwhile, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal stole the show, leading his team with a hat-trick.

Staal's impressive performance was a part of a six-point (four goals, two assists) streak over three games. It was his fourth career hat-trick, with his first also coming against the Maple Leafs in his rookie season in 2007. At just 18 years and 153 days old, Staal is the youngest NHL player to score a hat-trick.