Tortorella calls out Marner haters in Toronto after ex-Leafs’ playoff heroics

Whoever said that Mitch Marner wasn't a playoff performer? 

The ex-Toronto Maple Leafs star is looking to go on the longest playoff run of his career in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights. All the while, Toronto fans look on from the sidelines. 

Marner got plenty of flak for his playoff performances during his time with the Maple Leafs. As a star player, he was expected to help lead Toronto over the hump, but he continuously underperformed as the team struggled in the postseason. 

Those concerns seem to have vanished for Marner in Sin City this year, as he is absolutely lighting it up with the Golden Knights. As of Sunday morning, the 29-year-old is tied for second in playoff scoring with 13 points (six goals, seven assists). 

Vegas head coach John Tortorella praised Marner on Saturday and called out his Toronto detractors in the process. 

"People here, people in Toronto, all the people that talk about this guy, they don't see any of the things that he brings to the game, even if he doesn't score a goal," Tortorella said. "That narrative [that Marner isn't a playoff performer] is a bunch of bullsh*t. 

"Mitch doesn't care. Mitch is a pro. He's a terrific player, one of the top players in this league, and he plays for us." 

John Tortorella with a message to all the Mitch Marner playoff doubters, "That narrative is a bunch of bullsh*t." #ForgedInGold pic.twitter.com/NaEHOTwbKC

— Vince Sapienza (@VinceSapienza) May 9, 2026

Marner notched his first career playoff hat trick in a 6-2 Game 3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. That helped Vegas take a 2-1 series lead, and it was by far the best playoff game of his career. 

It seems like the Toronto native is thriving in his new surroundings. 

"I don't think there is ever a problem with his confidence," Tortorella said after Friday's victory. "People talk about him, this, that, the other thing. I don't think he listens to it, whether it's good or bad. 

"He's just a hockey player, so I never worry about how he feels about it. That's why he's one of the best players around. He's got that proper mindset." 

A NATURAL HAT TRICK FOR MITCH MARNER!!! 🚨🚨🚨

And it's his first hat trick in a #StanleyCup Playoffs game!

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— NHL (@NHL) May 9, 2026

Things aren't all bad for the Maple Leafs. While it may be annoying to see their former player slay his playoff demons with a new team, there is still plenty to like about Toronto's squad. 

Auston Matthews and William Nylander are still the faces of the franchise, and the Leafs are poised to add another star to their ranks after winning the NHL Draft Lottery last week. 

Still, you can't help but think what could have been if Marner had been this good in the playoffs with Toronto.