Paul Maurice calls out those blaming Toronto's OT loss on Mitch Marner

If it wasn't for one goal in overtime in game 7, it would be the Toronto Maple Leafs up against the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs instead of the Boston Bruins. While discussing the issue, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said those who are quick to blame Mitch Marner are wrong.

It wasn't even two minutes into overtime in game 7 when Hampus Lindholm dumped the puck from centre ice hard into Toronto's end. Meanwhile, David Pastrnak seemed to come out of nowhere and beat all the Maple Leafs to the puck, tucking it past goaltender Ilya Samsonov for the win.

Marner took a ton of criticism online as many felt he simply didn't work hard on the play, giving Pastrnak the room he needed to make his move.

In a news conference with reporters, Maurice was asked about the goal and whether people were right to blame Marner for it. Maurice was quick to point out that it's not that simple.

Maurice is a well-respected mind in the hockey world, and he certainly raises some good points. That said, sometimes people need a scapegoat, especially in the sports world. There's plenty of chatter about the Maple Leafs possibly parting with Marner over the summer to build up other aspects of the team. It's a hard thing to imagine, but you can't keep doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.