Mitch Marner had barely recovered from the incessant social media banter surrounding him following the Vegas Golden Knights’ loss to the Florida Panthers, when he had to undergo another bout of ruthless trolling following the team’s 2-1 OT loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The win came at a crucial point for Tampa, as the team lingers in the seventh spot of the Atlantic Division. The Knights, meanwhile, have yet to be displaced from the throne of the Pacific Division, but two consecutive losses at the hands of the Florida Panthers and the Lightning are enough to stir anxiety in the Knights’ brass. However, if there is one who is worst hit in the Vegas lineup, it is Marner.
NHL Fans Drag Mitch Marner After Golden Knights’ Loss Against the Tampa Bay Lightning
Two back-to-back losses were enough to wreak havoc with the Knights’ motivation. Still, after footage emerged of the Lightning’s Dominic James getting the better of the standout winger twice, NHL fans on social media lost their minds, and the former Toronto Maple Leafs star was subject to incessant ridicule.
Comments highlighted Marner’s soft attitude on ice and referenced his underwhelming playoff record. “He’ll want to be traded because he doesn’t feel safe on the ice,” a social media user commented sarcastically. “It’s like hitting a small teddy bear that skates like a ballerina,” another X user commented taciturnly, drawing upon Marner’s stature and apparently mellow disposition.
Comments referring to Marner’s disappointing playoff record were also widespread. For a player of his stature, the winger’s playoff history is far from impressive, and social media users made it a point to draw upon it.
“Just wait til the playoffs. He gets a whole lot worse and a whole lot softer,” commented one NHL fan from Canada.
Just wait til the playoffs. He gets a whole lot worse and a whole lot softer.
— Jenny 🇨🇦 (@shindig101) October 27, 2025
Another Maple Leafs fan drew upon the sentiment and added their two cents. “Looks like he is already in full playoff form.”
However, one social media user supported Marner in a sea of ruthless criticism. They appreciated the winger’s efforts and said the 28-year-old deserved credit for his play. “I give Mitch credit for engaging and effort. What’s to criticize? He’s a small player and took the hit and tried to hit back. Credit should be given when due.”
The difference in the two’s salaries made the James-Marner situation so much worse. James is signed to a two-year, $1,820,000 contract with the Lightning, while the Golden Knights went full-on splurge mode with Marner, signing him to an eight-year, $96 million contract. When you are pocketing such a massive sum of money, it goes without saying that it comes with its share of sky-high expectations and airtight scrutiny.
