The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to one of their roughest starts in recent memory, falling 5-2 to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Their record has now slipped to 9-10-3, with seven losses in their last eight games, leaving them second-last in the Atlantic Division.
It’s a sharp contrast from last season, when the Leafs finished atop the division and cruised into the playoffs. During Saturday’s defeat, one Leafs defenceman appeared to lose his cool, and fans couldn’t help but react.
Who Was the Frustrated Maple Leafs Blueliner in the 5-2 Loss to Montreal?
Montreal took control early, blowing the game open with four second-period goals. Toronto scored in the second and third but couldn’t rally. Frustrated, Troy Stecher was seen smashing his stick against the glass.
The Leafs picked up Stecher off waivers from the Oilers last week and made his Toronto debut in a 3-2 OT win against St. Louis. He had previously quipped that he “just left the fire,” referring to his tough stint in Edmonton, a comment fans were quick to remember.
Many fans felt his frustration came surprisingly fast. One pointed out that this was only his third game with the Leafs, writing, “Gee that didn’t take long….sad franchise”
Frustration is setting in for Troy Stecher and the Maple Leafs 😬 pic.twitter.com/8i9fZEPE94
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 23, 2025
A fan sympathized with Stecher, noting the drop-off he experienced going from a team that reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to a Leafs squad currently near the bottom of the division. “I’d be pissed too if I went from playing on a team who went to back-to-back cup finals to whatever the hell the Leafs are.” Referring to coming from the Oilers to the Leafs.
I’d be pissed too if I went from playing on a team who went to back to back cup finals to whatever the hell the leafs are.
— Toby Paul (@Ares257) November 23, 2025
Some fans referenced Stecher’s own words about leaving a “fire” in Edmonton. One user joked that instead of escaping trouble, he may have jumped “from a fire into an inferno,” implying the Leafs’ issues are even bigger.
Goes from a fire into an inferno.
— Heath O’Neill (@HeathONeill) November 23, 2025
There were also more analytical responses. One fan explained, “Even though the cup window is already closed, I had predicted the Leafs would finish in third place or even make the playoffs. However, poor defensive coaching, numerous injuries, and the familiar leadership and mentality issues will likely lead to them missing the playoffs.”
MORE: Former Oilers D-Man Throws Edmonton Coaching Staff Under the Bus.
Others simply poked fun at how quickly Stecher showed his temper. One noted he has only played two games with the Leafs, saying it might be a “long season” if he’s already this frustrated.
Another fan said, “I’d feel bad for him, if he didn’t try and insult the oilers,” arguing that after taking a shot at the Oilers, it’s ironic he ended up somewhere that might be even more chaotic.
Stecher and the Leafs will try to regroup as they head to Columbus on Wednesday.
