How long is too long to celebrate an Olympic gold medal?
That’s the question many NHL fans, particularly the loudest fanbase in the Toronto Maple Leafs, are asking themselves on Tuesday.
Not only did Maple Leafs’ American captain Auston Matthews defeat Canada in the Winter Olympic Games men’s hockey tournament final, but he’s been celebrating every second since Jack Hughes scored the 3-on-3 overtime winner.
He was seen drinking in the post-game press conference. He was seen partying in the Olympic Village. He was spotted celebrating on the plane home. And last night on Monday, he was in a Miami nightclub dancing the night away with the gold medal around his neck.
While this would be fine if the Maple Leafs didn’t play until this weekend, the NHL restarts on Monday, with Matthews set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a must-win contest if Toronto wants to attempt to make the playoffs this season.
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Toronto fans hoped Matthews would be back on a plane to rejoin the team he leads after the nightclub theatrics, but he instead went with a majority of the American team to the White House to celebrate the gold medal some more.
Although there were earlier reports on Tuesday that Matthews would miss Wednesday’s game, Craig Berube said that he expects his captain in the lineup for tomorrow’s pivotal showdown in Florida.
That hasn’t stopped many Maple Leaf fans from being dismayed at their captain, however, as they believe it shouldn’t be a question if he will be suiting up with the team tomorrow.
Jake Guentzel, also on the winning Team USA, did not go to the White House; instead, he headed to Tampa Bay on Tuesday to rejoin the Lightning to make sure he is ready for Wednesday’s contest.