The Toronto Maple Leafs will face former teammate Mitch Marner on Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Leafs will take on the Golden Knights for the first time this season. The game also marks the first time Toronto will face Marner as an opponent since his public departure this past summer.
The clash is akin to running into an ex-partner. The anticipation of seeing someone who meant a lot at one point can be overwhelming. The emotional toll of such a meeting can be challenging.
But this meeting between the Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights goes beyond the emotions of seeing someone from the past. It also shows the two sides in totally different places.
Heading into Thursday night’s action, the Maple Leafs are one point out of a playoff spot. The Buffalo Sabres’ 5-2 win on Wednesday night temporarily humped the Leafs back down a notch. With a win, the Leafs could reclaim the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are tops in the Pacific Division. They have 56 points, to the Maple Leafs’ 53. While the two clubs aren’t very far apart in terms of points, they are in divergent positions.
The Golden Knights are riding a five-game winning streak. They got a big 3-2 win over the LA Kings on Wednesday night. For their part, the Maple Leafs lost their last game in Utah, but were riding high after defeating the Colorado Avalanche in overtime on Monday night.
The Maple Leafs are7-1-2 in their last 10 games, and steadily resurrecting their seemingly defunct season. That’s why Thursday night’s clash is particularly meaningful to both teams.
Maple Leafs Should Expect the Same from Marner
The Maple Leafs should expect nothing different from Mitch Marner’s game. He continues to be a high-end playmaking winger. His 11 goals and 36 assists for 47 points are par for the course. Marner carved a reputation for himself as a pass-first forward.
That’s something the Maple Leafs will expect to continue in their Thursday night tilt. Marner also remains a force on the power play. He scored a tally with the man advantage on Wednesday night against the Kings.
At least, the Maple Leafs know what to expect when facing Marner. Even though it may feel strange to see him at the other end of the ice, the Leafs know what’s coming.
Game against Leafs Likely an Emotional Experience for Marner
Thursday night’s game will likely be an emotional experience for Marner as well. Facing the Maple Leafs as opponents for their first time should bring back plenty of memories. After all, wouldn’t that be the case given the history between the two sides?
For better or worse, Marner and the Maple Leafs will forever be linked. Marner is on track for a Hall of Fame career. And when he gets there, hopefully, his NHL career will have an indelible mark from his time in Toronto.
But once the puck drops, it will be all business. The Maple Leafs need two crucial points in the standings. The Golden Knights will be looking to keep pace with the second-place Edmonton Oilers in their division.
So, the game should be a spirited one, and certainly the most anticipated game of the night.
Maple Leafs Face their Ex in Emotionally Charged Matchup