"He thinks they're the biggest bunch of losers": NHL analyst dismisses Brad Marchand's motivating comments about Leafs ahead of clash with Panthers

NHL analyst Jeff O’Neil dismissed Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand’s motivating comments about the Maple Leafs ahead of their game on Tuesday.

The Leafs are starting December four points outside of playoff contention. However, Marchand believes that despite this, they are still a good contending team and that he is well aware that the concern level is high in Toronto due to media attention.

“Obviously with the media attention and the fan support that they have in Toronto, you know, things get blown way out of proportion up there,” Marchand said via TSN. “What are they, four points out of a playoff spot? If people are thinking they’re out of a playoff spot for the season they got to find a new job."

However, Jeff O’Neil called out Brad Marchand’s comments, labeling them as “nonsense” and suggesting that the Panthers star views the Maple Leafs as the league’s biggest losers.

"So, I think we know what we're talking about, Brad. And if people can't see through this what he does every time, he comes up with these nonsense comments. He does the same crap every single time," O'Neil said.

He added:

"And for anyone to take that serious, what he just said there, they're the ones that need a new job for taking his comments seriously, because it's just a joke every time. You think he means that? He doesn't. He thinks they're the biggest bunch of losers of life. That's what he thinks."

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with an 11-113 record. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are not far behind either, sitting just one spot above the Leafs in the standings with a 12-11-1 record.

Brad Marchand attributes the Maple Leafs' struggles to injuries

Brad Marchand reckons injuries as the biggest reason for the Maple Leafs' underperformance, noting that they impact the team's overall game and consistency.

“They’re battling some injuries, stuff like that, which affects your overall game and your consistency and just how comfortable you are with your linemates and everything,” Marchand said.

Marchand has notched 27 points through 15 goals and 12 assists in 23 games. The Panthers host the Maple Leafs at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET.