Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Mitch Marner has received his fair share of criticism in the past for his inability to show up in critical moments in a game. Especially during the playoffs.
However, over the last few weeks, Marner has slowly been playing with conviction and helping instil a winning mentality in his team and himself. He rose to the occasion during the 4 Nations Face-Off, helping Canada win gold. While he was riding high on that victory, he wasn’t as noticeable in wins against the Carolina Hurricanes or Chicago Blackhawks, but he was during a critical matchup against the Boston Bruins just less than a week later, scoring a key game-winning goal.
With what Marner has gone through lately shining in key moments, is he finally showing that he’s capable of doing so and putting that notion of being a non-game breaking player to rest? It’s possible. Nonetheless, it’s good progress for him and his confidence.
Marner’s Impact Lately
While many were hoping for Marner to dominate the 4 Nations, he had a much different role when he was on Team Canada compared to his role on the Maple Leafs. When you’re on a team filled with elite level talent, you’re going to find yourself excelling in a different role. He did just that, while still chipping in offensively.
Marner’s defensive game and impact was being felt throughout the tournament, but it was his ability to rise in big moments that instantly caught everyone’s attention. He scored the game-winning goal off a slick pass from Sidney Crosby in overtime against Team Sweden in the first game.
He was quiet in the following two games against the United States and Finland. When the rematch was set against Team USA, Marner once again rose to the occasion in the final game. In Boston, he had a beautiful set up to Sam Bennett for the tying goal and he was once again in on the game-winning goal assisting on Connor McDavid’s golden goal. Less than a week later, Marner once again shined at TD Garden, scoring twice including another game-winning goal to complete the comeback.
It was his second overtime goal of the season, but it ultimately stole an extra point away from a Bruins team desperate to stay in the playoff picture. Even against the New York Rangers, he was a big factor on Matthew Knies’ game-winning goal, keeping the puck alive. Considering the Maple Leafs have had a lot of pain in that building, it looks like Marner and the Maple Leafs are starting to overcome those heartaches and hurdles.
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“I’ve had a couple tough, really gut-wrenching things in this building, as well as some great memories,” Marner explained according to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “I’m just trying to go out there and do my thing.”
For Marner, it’s one where he can build confidence and put to rest the one thing that’s been on the mind of Leafs Nation.
Marner Needs Game Breaking Play to Carry Over
While a short, but intense, tournament and regular season are different compared to multiple, grueling seven-game series in the playoffs, it’s definitely a positive sign to see Marner finally step up in a critical role at multiple times this season. Even more so now that he’s in a contract year.
Even if both the team and player plan to wait to see how things play out, with playoffs and the salary cap increase, it’s definitely great for Marner to maximize on his next deal. With the numbers he has put up this season, it’s definitely looking like a pay day when you look at his offensive and defensive impact.
Marner’s currently tied for fourth with McDavid with 74 points, he has 35 primary assists at all strengths and with a minimum of 45 games played, he’s fourth in primary assists per game (0.60). He truly is a valuable asset to this team as he’s a legitimate two-way threat with his play on the penalty kill. We know what he’s capable of in the regular season, but it’s the postseason that’s going to make or break things.
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What we’ve seen over the last week is promising in Marner’s play on a big stage. Now, he’s going to have to carry that momentum and game-breaking play into the part of the season where many have criticized his impact and mindset. He wasn’t noticeable in the playoffs last season against the Bruins and was cold against the Florida Panthers in the second round the postseason before that.
Now that Marner’s gaining that confidence that he can rise up in big moments is a great sign for him as a player. We’ve seen other players take over big moments, including Knies and William Nylander. Marner, not so much. However, this stretch of play can change all that if he continues to play with the drive and determination to be that player that can change the tide in key moments. He’s a playmaker, but even that skill and the way he sees the game can change things drastically.
Many have wanted to see what a game-breaking Mitch Marner looks like and the fans and analysts got a first-hand view of what that’s like. He showed up in a big tournament, scored a winner against a rival that’s had their number but also play a bit of a spoiler in the process. Next for him, is the playoffs to see if that confidence truly carries over.
Statistics from Natural Stat Trick and NHL.
