The Toronto Maple Leafs game on Thursday night was especially significant because it marked the first time Mitch Marner faced his former team.
The anticipation focused on the eventual clash between longtime friends Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The buildup to the game featured the puck Marner fired at Matthews and the interview in which Matthews shut down questions about Marner.
Sure, Matthews was all business as the Maple Leafs looked to get two crucial points. Perhaps Matthews just wanted to turn the page on Marner and move on. While they may still be friends in their personal lives off the ice, in the rink, they’re now enemies.
Such situations are not uncommon. They happen all the time in all pro sports. Players change teams and eventually face former teammates, sometimes in championship games.
Regardless of how much Marner or Matthews would like to make their relationship ancient history, Maple Leafs history will link them forever.
No, it’s not that their names are on the Stanley Cup. But their names are in the Maple Leafs’ record books. Until another generation of players bumps Marner down the list of Leafs all-time scorers, his name will be atop the list.
Beyond individual marks, there’s something that will link Matthews and Marner forever. When Matthews passed Mats Sundin as the Maple Leafs all-time leading goal scorer, an intriguing stat popped. Marner assisted on 142 of Matthews’ goals, as noted in the list compiled as part of this celebratory campaign by the NHLPA and a major brand. That’s a far greater number than any other player in franchise history.
In a manner of speaking, sharing that stat is like a divorced couple sharing children. No matter how much they strive to go their separate ways, there will always be something linking them for all time.
Maple Leafs Boo Marner in Vegas
Thursday night’s Toronto-Vegas matchup took place in Las Vegas. So, it would seem implausible that Marner would get boos on home ice. But he did. Maple Leafs fans making the trip, a substantial number, made a point of booing Marner.
It was an interesting sight, considering that Marner was playing on home ice. That situation has now launched speculation about Marner getting some very special treatment when the Golden Knights visit the Maple Leafs on January 23. The game should make for some fascinating developments.
The action on the ice will focus on getting two points in the standings. But the subtext before, during, and after the game could make for one of this season’s most fascinating storylines.
Time to Move on from Marner
Once Marner returns to Toronto, the drama surrounding his Maple Leafs exit will come full circle. There won’t be much more to talk about once the final buzzer sounds. Whether the Leafs win or lose, the time to move will have come. Yes, Marner will be the subject of chatter for years to come. But then again, the best thing everyone in Leafs Nation can do is just turn the page and move on.
Holding grudges against Marner is like someone hating their ex-partner. There comes a time when moving on is the healthiest thing to do.
Maple Leafs History Will Forever Link Matthews, Marner