Before the 2024–25 Playoffs began, the Battle of Ontario was the most anticipated matchup—and so far, it hasn’t disappointed. In Game 1, superstar Auston Matthews did something on the bench that had fans laughing, proving just how much these two teams hate each other right now.
The Battle of Ontario has delivered everything fans hoped for going into Game 1. Toronto came out on top in the opening matchup of the first-round series, earning a comfortable 6–2 win over the Ottawa Senators. But Game 2 was tighter—and with that, more physical and dramatic.
There have been plenty of incidents and scrappy moments through the first two games. Even Auston Matthews—who isn’t exactly known for physical play or cheap shots—has gotten into the mix with some hilarious antics.
Auston Matthews’ hilarious move
Ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday, Sportsnet released new footage from Game 1 of Matthews simply being a pain in the ass to his opponents. After a heated exchange right in front of the Toronto bench, Matthews—who was sitting down—grabbed Ridly Greig’s stick and refused to give it back. But he didn’t stop there. Just to rub it in, Matthews slammed the stick against the boards, snapping it clean in two. When Sportsnet posted the clip to their X account, it quickly went viral—fans found it hilarious.
Greig was at the center of attention again in Game 2, following several heated run-ins in Game 1. On Tuesday, he refused to leave goalie Anthony Stolarz alone, which led to several punches from the Leafs netminder. He also cross-checked John Tavares in the head. Though officials initially gave him a five-minute major, they later downgraded it to a two-minute minor—and he avoided suspension.
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