8 Auston Matthews fans do something cool for Leafs legend Mats Sundin in Sweden
The Toronto Maple Leafs ended their week-long trip to Stockholm, Sweden on a high note, winning both of their Global Series games against Detroit and Minnesota in dramatic fashion.
First, the Leafs erased a 2-goal deficit in the third period against Detroit to win 3-2 in regulation on Friday. Then, after blowing a 2-goal lead in the 3rd period and being forced into a 3-on-3 OT scenario, William Nylander scored a highlight reel game-winner to cap off a 5-point performance over his 2 games in Sweden to secure the 4-3 OT win.
During the team's 2nd game in Stockholm, a set of 8 Leaf fans wore shirts, spelling out "MATTHEWS" and posted up in their seats behind the Leafs' bench.
Obviously, people showing their fandom in this manner isn't all that unique, as some fans even opt to go shirtless, spelling a team name out across their bodies in body paint. However, these fans did have the unique opportunity to do something cool for Mats Sundin after the game. 4 of them broke off - specifically the ones wearing "M, A, T and S" and posed for a photo next to Sundin in the stands after the game.
Rumours of Sundin's potential increasing involvement with the team have been running rampant this weekend after Sundin was invited to dinner with a number of Leafs personnel in Stockholm. He was also tasked with announcing the starting lineup before Friday's game and firing the guys up in the locker room before the game and took part in the ceremonial puck drop to open Sunday's Global Series finale against Minnesota.
It was cool to see Leaf fans going out of their way to show Mats the respect and support he deserves after so many years of faithful service to the Leafs organization. He's obviously very respected and revered in his native Sweden, so this act must have felt extra special to him as well.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 323 ANSWERS 8 Auston Matthews fans do something cool for Leafs legend Mats Sundin in Sweden Should Mats Sundin take on a role with the Maple Leafs organization? | ||
| Yes, come home, Mats | 175 | 54.2 % |
| No, he should just enjoy his retirement | 43 | 13.3 % |
| If he wants to, great. If not, no harm done | 105 | 32.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
