Mitch Marner's response to whether or not the Leafs are ready for violence was cold as ice
On Sunday, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was among those who met with the media following Leafs practice to discuss their upcoming playoff series against the defending champs, the Tampa Bay Lightning. During his availability, Keefe revealed that he and the Leafs were preparing themselves for a "borderline violent" series. Simply put, the Leafs are ready for a war.
After years of disappointment and frustration, the Leafs put together one of the most complete and consistent 82-game campaigns by a Leafs team in the history of the franchise. Sure, there were some ups and some downs, but for the most part, the Leafs remained dominant for much of the season. It culminated with a franchise record 115 points and 54 wins, finishing the season strong on a 3-game winning streak.
The Leafs are coming into the postseason with a chip on their shoulder and have maintained over the last 20 games that through all of the team's success, through all of the players' individual successes.. none of it mattered because they were focused on the bigger picture. They were focused on making some noise in the playoffs.
Well, with the puck scheduled to drop shortly after 7:30pm ET tonight, the Leafs will have their chance and they plan to start on time. Not only that, but they're planning to play a physical, energetic, obnoxious brand of hockey that is integral to finding success in the postseason.
Mitch Marner, who set a career high in hits this season with 75, had met with the media on Monday following the Leafs' morning skate. When asked about Keefe's comments and whether the Leafs are prepared for a "borderline violent" series, Marner only had one word to offer up as a response. "Yeah."
Buckle up, Leafs Nation. This is going to be one hell of a series.
| POLL | ||
2 MAI | 962 ANSWERS Mitch Marner's response to whether or not the Leafs are ready for violence was cold as ice Who takes Game 1 tonight in Toronto? | ||
| Leafs | 878 | 91.3 % |
| Bolts | 84 | 8.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
