Fire Matt Canada chant erupts at Pittsburgh Penguins opening game vs Chicago Blackhawks

Matt Canada just can’t catch a break.

During the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator found himself on the minds of fans in attendance at PPG Paints Arena — and not in a flattering way.

With the Penguins holding a 1-0 lead over the Blackhawks in the second period, fans chanted in unison, “Fire Canada,” the exact same chant that rang out across Acrisure Stadium this past Sunday during the Steelers’ 17-10 Week 5 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

A “Fire Canada” chant has broken out here at the Penguins game pic.twitter.com/CeztxYWpv4

— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) October 11, 2023

Despite being 3-2 and sitting atop the AFC North, the Steelers remain mired in offensive struggles. At the time of the “Fire Canada” chant, the Steelers were down 10-3, and with the third quarter winding down, had just 124 yards of offense and eight first downs. Pittsburgh hadn’t reached the end zone since the third quarter of the 23-18 Week 3 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. By the time the game ended, the Steelers owned the league’s 30th ranked offense.

Steelers rally late after gutsy call from Matt Canada

To their credit, Canada and the offense figured it out in crunch time. Quarterback Kenny Pickett hit receiver George Pickens for a 41-yard game-winning score with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“They went [cover] 0 and we were kind of preparing for it all week,” Pickett said after the game. “In bigger moments, they’ll go 0, and we got the protection right. George ran his route and went up there and won. Big-time player, making plays in those moments, and that’s what we’ve got in [No.] 14.”

Like the Steelers offense this season, the Penguins had themselves a rough night in their season opener. After opening up a 2-0 lead, Pittsburgh surrendered four straight goals including an empty netter from Nick Foligno to secure the victory for Chicago.