Marner and Matthews Reflect on 4 Nations Face-Off Battle as Maple Leafs Shift Focus to Playoff Push
Canada emerged victorious over the USA in a record-breaking 4 Nations Face-Off championship, where Toronto Maple Leafs stars Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews clashed on the international stage. Marner played a pivotal role in the final, assisting Connor McDavid’s overtime winner to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Following their intense showdown, Marner and Matthews found themselves on the same flight back from Boston, where they reflected on the grueling yet exhilarating tournament. Speaking on Saturday, Marner shared details of their conversation, revealing that the two discussed both the physical toll and the excitement of competing at such a high level. “We were just talking about how much fun the tournament was, but also how demanding it was on the body,” Marner said. “Now, we’re looking forward to getting back here and chasing bigger goals.”
Matthews, who captained Team USA, tallied three assists in the tournament, including two in the final, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Marner also finished with three points, recording a goal and two assists. Despite the heartbreak of losing, Marner had nothing but admiration for his Maple Leafs teammate. “He played an incredible game tonight. He’s an absolute warrior, not just in this game but throughout the tournament,” Marner told reporters. “Competing against him is always a challenge he’s such a fierce competitor and an elite player. I’m lucky to share the ice with him in Toronto.”
Though disappointed, Matthews has already turned his attention back to the NHL season. “Losing is tough, but that’s part of life. It doesn’t always go your way,” he admitted. “It stings, but you’ve got to turn the page. I’m happy to be back with the team, reconnecting with the guys, and refocusing on what’s ahead.”
The Maple Leafs returned from the break with momentum, securing back-to-back wins over Carolina and Chicago. Now sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a 35-20-2 record (72 points), Toronto holds a slight edge over Florida (71 points) with a game in hand setting the stage for an electrifying playoff push.
