Keefe initiates a 1-on-1 conversation with Mitch Marner at the Leafs optional skate; here's what was said
While the Leafs prepare themselves for Game 6 in Tampa on Thursday, I'm certain that emotions are running high and that the Buds are doing their best to shake off the nerves ahead of puck drop. Given what transpired last year against the Montreal Canadiens, that could prove challenging.
One player who suffered perhaps more than anyone else on the team after the devastating first round loss was Mitch Marner. While all of the players felt the disappointment, it's arguable that nobody on the team was vilified more than Marner was.
In the lead-up to this season, Marner was under heavy scrutiny, even more so than normal. For much of the first half of the season, the criticism continued to pour in, with a lot of people suggesting that the Habs broke Marner. However, when the calendar flipped to 2022, Marner found a new gear to his game. The 25-year-old finished the season with 97 points in just 72 games, despite being under a point per game prior to the All-Star break.
While some of the Marner detractors went away with his improved play, the majority of them remained, stating that the regular season does not matter and that nothing Marner does during the regular season will be remembered if he fails to show up in the playoffs. Well, show up, he has.
Marner has registered 2 goals and 7 points in 5 games for the Leafs so far in this series, including a SENSATIONAL setup on Matthews' game-winner with under 7 minutes remaining in Game 5.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was spotted with Marner having a chat during the Leafs' optional skate in Tampa on Thursday, presumably to try to keep his nerves at bay and to keep the Markham, ON native's confidence high and nerves low.
Following the skate, Keefe was asked what he was saying to Marner as the two skated around. Keefe summed it up as best he could.
The Leafs will have an opportunity to change the narrative and break through the glass ceiling between pretender and contender tonight at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is scheduled to take place shortly after 7:30pm ET. Marner has produced in every game so far with the exception of Game 4 on May 8th. I'd imagine that he'll look to continue using his speed and creativity to generate chances and do whatever he can to help the Leafs snap the drought and get past round one for the first time since 2004.
| POLL | ||
MAI 12 | 86 ANSWERS Keefe initiates a 1-on-1 conversation with Mitch Marner at the Leafs optional skate; here's what was said How many points will Mitch Marner put up in Game 6 in Tampa? | ||
| 0 | 4 | 4.7 % |
| 1 | 16 | 18.6 % |
| 2 | 49 | 57 % |
| 3+ | 17 | 19.8 % |
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