Mitch Marner is putting his money where his mouth is
It's been a wild ride for Leafs Nation and Mitch Marner since the 24-year-old returned to action last month after recovering from a shoulder injury and a bout with COVID-19.
Marner has been on a torrid pace over his last 7 games, scoring 7 goals and 16 points over that span, but when asked about his hot streak during today's pre-game presser, the Markham, Ontario native didn't seem overly surprised with his ability to score in bunches, despite being better known for his playmaking abilities.
"I've been saying here for a while that I know I can score goals, it's just believing in it. It's come true recently. I just gotta make sure I just keep going with it," Marner told the media on Monday.
Marner is coming off of a strong 4-point performance against the New Jersey Devils last week at Prudential Center, recording an additional 3 points just one night earlier to help spark a massive comeback win at home in Toronto. His 7 points in just 2 games earned him 2nd star of the week honours, sitting between Claude Giroux and Mason Marchment for 3 players that the NHL felt deserved the recognition for their impressive performances this past week.
Marner had a lot to say during his media availability on Monday and while his impressive level of production was front and centre, Marner also wanted to praise his linemates, Auston Matthews and Michael Bunting, for their efforts in finding him in the right areas that have made it possible to score big goals.
If Marner notches another goal tonight, he'll be the first Leaf this season to score in 8 straight games - something we'd normally assume would happen for one of Auston Matthews, William Nylander or John Tavares first.
With 37 points in 33 games, Marner is currently on a 30-goal, 93-point pace if 77 games, assuming he plays every game in the second half. Impressive stuff from the gifted forward.
