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Probably the biggest story of the Leafs' 3-2 win against the Bruins on Monday night is the resurrection of Auston Matthews, who scored scored his first goal in April to put Toronto in the lead for good. But if there is an enduring picture of this game for the Leafs fans – especially if they can keep the 2-1 lead and finish the first round – that's what Mitch Marner did in the end.
In the very last seconds, while the Bruins were trying to throw everything they could on purpose, the 21-year-old winger hit the ice to put his friend's body and friend's face on the line . Marner blocked not one, but two shots of David Pastrnak to avoid any extension. If you have doubts about the scale of the game, look at the love he gets from all his teammates after the last honk.
Marner, of course, had much more brilliant contributions in the leafs' first win of this series, score a goal in diving and a dirty penalty shot goal in the 4-1 win. But even without a goal, he was almost as wonderful to watch in the third game. In addition to embracing the pain to seal the victory, Marner was also the key that allowed Matthews to be offended. In terms of power play goals, it was Marner who started the game by blocking a potential draw for the Bruins, getting a decisive pass by taking Patrice Bergeron's puck.
It's hard to play with John Tavares's 47 goals this season, but it's clear that his linemate, Marner, with 68 assists per year, is the most valuable player in the Maple Leafs. At the very least, he is remarkably underpaid (he earns only $ 894,167 this year in restricted free will) for the work he does. Marner can score, he can certainly pass, he plays an incredible defense for a winger, and he is not afraid to break his nose to win. Good luck trying to lock up long term, Toronto.
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