Auston Matthews stunned by Simon Benoit’s French-fluent moment after Maple Leafs’ Game 3 victory, fans can't get enough

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 3 had fans on the edge of their seats. But it wasn’t just the game that got people talking, it was a fun moment during the postgame press conference between Auston Matthews and Simon Benoit. While Benoit’s overtime goal sealed the win, it was his unexpected French response that stole the show, leaving Matthews and fans surprised and amused. Fans quickly took to social media, laughing at Matthews' reaction and applauding Benoit’s hidden talent.


After scoring the overtime goal just 1:19 into the extra period, Simon Benoit found himself in the spotlight, sitting beside his captain, Auston Matthews, during the postgame interview. When a reporter asked Benoit a question in French, he answered with smooth fluency, stunning Matthews. The captain, typically the center of attention, was left visibly surprised, glancing at Benoit in disbelief as he processed what had just happened.
Benoit’s candid response about the significance of his goal was equally charming. “I don’t score many goals, so I would say yeah,” Benoit joked, adding that his most memorable goal before this might have come when he was much younger. "It’s fun when other guys get a good goal because we know it’s hard to score in the playoffs," he said, flashing a wide grin. His excitement and humility were clear, and fans couldn’t help but admire his attitude as much as his unexpected heroics.

Benoit, a defenseman who registered only one goal and nine assists during the regular season, has suddenly become an unlikely hero for the Leafs. His overtime goal in Game 3 follows a key assist in Game 2, solidifying his role as a surprise contributor during Toronto’s playoff run. Matthews couldn’t hide his admiration, acknowledging Benoit’s impact on both ends of the ice. “You need guys like that to step up this time of year,” Matthews remarked. “It takes a full group effort.”
Benoit's recent performances are a reminder that in hockey, it's not always the superstars who deliver in crunch time, it can be someone flying under the radar, ready to rise when the team needs them most.

Fans, too, have taken to social media to celebrate the humorous moment between Matthews and Benoit. Some speculated about how often Matthews might hear Benoit speak French, considering his background in Arizona. Others joked about the possibility of Matthews surprising everyone with an answer in Spanish next. Regardless, the shared moment of genuine camaraderie added a personal touch to an intense playoff series.
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As the Maple Leafs now lead the series 3-0, with the chance to complete a sweep in Game 4, it’s clear that the connection between teammates and the unexpected heroes make playoff hockey so captivating.