Vegas Golden Knights fans have heard plenty of trash talk from one team in the second round. They've heard numerous things thrown towards their star player, Mitch Marner. Some bring up how he's a playoff failure and how he chokes. But when Marner shows up in a playoff game, those goal posts get moved.
No, it isn't the Anaheim Ducks. In fact, the Ducks have also been the victim of the rhetoric, with these fans dismissing Anaheim as "not being a playoff team." Yet, here they are with No Doubt's "Hella Good" playing after every win.
It's the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Yep, those same guys who haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967. The same guys who didn't make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season. The same guys that Auston Matthews might leave town over. All of this over Mitch Marner. It's a good thing that not all Maple Leafs fans are like this because this would be a national emergency.
So what's one tweet that keeps coming up?
Everyone gassing up Marner’s points, but let’s wait and see how he performs when he plays a playoff calibre team first.
— Adam (@TOSportsAdam) May 9, 2026
First of all, the Ducks have beaten teams like the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens (twice), the Dallas Stars (twice), and the Buffalo Sabres. Therefore, put some flippin' respect on their names. Second, you say that Marner hasn't played against physical teams. Yet, the Ducks are outhitting the Golden Knights in the series, 129-88. Thus, know your role and shut your mouth, Jabroni (as The Rock would say).
The second round conversation is reserved for the two remaining Pacific Division teams (and those teams only). That means no teams eliminated from playoff contention can speak. Marner has arrived on the scene with six goals and seven assists in nine games, sliencing those haters.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I'm here all week, so try the veal at the Wynn. In the meantime, let's enjoy the rest of the series between the Anaheim Ducks and the Vegas Golden Knights. It should be a fun time.
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