Maple Leafs Have a "Not so Secret" Weapon for the Playoffs

No one had more of a disappointing performance in the 2021 playoffs than Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. He didn’t seem to have anything going, he was too predictable with the puck and made costly mistakes against the Montreal Canadiens.

Even at the start of this season, he shined at times but still it seemed like his play was weighing on him. When the calendar turned to January and the second half, something clicked and Marner went into full on attack mode. The production shot up, the goal scoring became increasingly evident and he seemed more engaged with a tenacious side to his game.

It’s expected that your top players should show up every game when it matters and yet Marner, and even Matthews, have gone cold at times in the playoffs. The fact Marner appears to be hungrier than ever and the new found mentality with this team, he appears poised to be a major difference maker in what could be a make-or-break playoffs for the Maple Leafs.

Mitch Marner Toronto Maple Leafs — Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has stated that the attitude is different this time around as they look to be more competitive when the games mean more than before. With Marner being one of the players to lead that charge with his new found dominance, expectations should be high for him to make a difference every time he steps on the ice.

You never expect a super star player to be a “secret weapon” in the playoffs. Considering the offensive outburst that Marner has had this season, he’s determined and more energised than ever before. The fact that he’s been noticeable and on the score sheet consistently in the second half, the expectation is that kind of play continues into the postseason as the Maple Leafs look to make a deep run.

Statistics from Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick and NHL.