The Toronto Maple Leafs played in the biggest game of the season last night. This was one that had been circled on the calendar since the release of the 2025–26 NHL schedule. They hosted Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights at Scotiabank Arena for the first time since the trade that sent him there this past offseason.
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This was a highly anticipated game with plenty of questions heading into it. Would Leafs Nation boo him or cheer him? Would he show any emotion during his video tribute? Now that the game has come and gone, we know exactly what happened. He was booed every time he touched the puck. During the video tribute, the reaction was mixed. And no, he was not emotional. He looked rather unfazed, which is something many Leafs fans wish he would have been during his entire time with the organization.
Now that the Marner saga has played out, the focus shifts back to what matters most, the result on the ice. Here are three takeaways from last night’s game.
Massive Loss in Marner’s Homecoming
The biggest takeaway from the game was the loss on Marner’s homecoming night. It was not just that they lost a game Leafs Nation desperately wanted them to win, it was how they lost. Toronto fell behind 2-0 early and looked nervous right from the opening faceoff. For most of the first period, they appeared disinterested and far too caught up in the moment, almost as if they forgot how to play their game.
The second period was their best of the night. Unfortunately, it did not last long enough. They fell behind 4-1 but did not quit. The Leafs controlled play and scored two goals to cut the deficit to one heading into the third period. In the final frame, they had chances but could not solve Adin Hill. Mark Stone put the game away with two goals in the final five minutes, which not only completed the season series sweep for Vegas, but also handed Marner a win in his return to Toronto.
Questionable Decision to Start Stolarz
A major reason the Maple Leafs fell behind early was goaltending. Anthony Stolarz made his return after being out since November 11, when he left a game against the Boston Bruins. Since then, he had not seen game action, and the rust showed immediately. Things did not improve as the night went on. In the second period, he allowed two goals in under two minutes, pushing the score to 4-1 and putting the Leafs in a tough spot.
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Starting Stolarz in this game was a questionable decision. This was far too important of a game, both in terms of the standings and the emotion surrounding Marner’s return, to put him back in without easing him in first. It became even more puzzling that he stayed in the game after allowing those quick goals. Craig Berube had multiple chances to reset the game by going to Joseph Woll, but he stayed with Stolarz. The lack of timely saves played a major role in the outcome.
Terrible Start to a Crucial Homestand
Not long ago, the Maple Leafs had points in 10 straight games. Coming out of the Christmas break, they were playing some of their best hockey of the season. They also handled their Western road trip well. Since returning home, however, things have gone off the rails. They are now 0-3 on this homestand, which could end up being one of the most important stretches of the season. This is especially frustrating when you consider they were riding a seven-game home winning streak just before it began.
In April, this could be the stretch they look back on as the reason they missed the playoffs. It does not get easier from here. They have a rare Saturday night off, then host the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon at 1:30. After that, they welcome the Buffalo Sabres in another game that will be viewed as a must win. Both teams have been excellent this season. The Maple Leafs need to look in the mirror quickly and figure out how to turn this around before it is too late.
For a game that meant so much to the fan base, the result was extremely disappointing. Leafs Nation wanted one thing, a win to prove they could move forward without Marner. Instead, they were left with a loss and a bitter reminder that this chapter albeit closed, is one they will never forget.
