It was all about CC's weak "Yes"
- 21peter

Weak? Did you want all caps? There’s nothing new to say in the topic.

Some cracks in the Core 4 foundation?

Even if the team gets off to a rocky start this season, I doubt Dubas trades any of the Core 4 but next off-season, assuming the Leafs are knocked out early, I would be shocked if 1 or 2 of the core isn't traded.
- mjones242

What the hell, isn't he supposed to be the one doing the offering?
He's telling us he was waiting for a really really good offer?

Weak? Did you want all caps? There’s nothing new to say in the topic.
- Canada Cup

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Marner's playoff clutch Delay of Game (puck over glass) PIMs:

- 2018 (2): Game 2, Game 6
- 2019 (1): Game 5
- 2020 (0): Huzzah!
- 2021 (1): Game 6 (a timely infraction during a PK)



What's clear to me is that Mitch is in his own head during the playoffs. Maybe he's trying to do too much? Whatever the reasons, he has been decidedly not the same elite winger that he has displayed during the regular season the past 3 years.
- mjones242

It happens when you have the puck in your end a lot because you are an elite defensive player.

Don’t know what the problem is but he is an elite player. He and Matthews need to live up to their elite regular season play for the team to go anywhere in the playoffs. I’d like to keep both on the team.
- Canada Cup

Problem is one can't whilst the other is cowering in the corner.

Don’t know what the problem is but he is an elite player. He and Matthews need to live up to their elite regular season play for the team to go anywhere in the playoffs. I’d like to keep both on the team.
- Canada Cup

He's indubitably an elite player and, arguably, a Top 5 RW in the game.

But he just can't get his mojo going in the playoffs and that is an absolute headscratcher. How can a player be this talented and yet be shutdown so thoroughly during the playoffs? Is it grit n' grind "bearded men's" style hockey that he just can't succeed in? Are teams circling the wagons and playing 1000% defensive hockey against AM34 and Mitch and they're helpless as a result? Is he in his own head and trying too hard instead of just relaxing and letting his talent manifest itself as it does in the regular season?

All of these things?

How long can this team keep holding its breath waiting for him to break out?

Regardless, he's not going anywhere in 21/22. But it's kind of fun kicking the dead horse once in a while anyway just to see if anyone is paying attention.

It happens when you have the puck in your end a lot because you are an elite defensive player.
- Zezel

Oh

What the hell, isn't he supposed to be the one doing the offering?
He's telling us he was waiting for a really really good offer?
- bobbyisno1

He's a beta male cuck, amirite/amirov?

What the hell, isn't he supposed to be the one doing the offering?
He's telling us he was waiting for a really really good offer?
- bobbyisno1

That’s what he’s telling us. He’s not trying to trade the Richard winner or the First Team All Star or the guy with the no move or trade or whatever (aren’t they the same according to someone?) or Willie. He believes in his core and there weren’t any trades out there that made the team better.

Problem is one can't whilst the other is cowering in the corner.
- bobbyisno1

Marner was setting him up and Matthews was shooting over the net. That happened too. They both did things well and they both underachieved what they’re paid to do.

Problem is one can't whilst the other is cowering in the corner.
- bobbyisno1

This couldn't be any clearer of a point that people who bag on Matthews forget or ignore.

I've played hockey in my younger life, when you have the kid who sucks on your line it's a constant 5 on 4. When you have a Marner hiding in the soft areas of the ice, you're fu3ked. Period.

Marner has to find his man balls. He's playing with fear and it's obvious. Even fans can feel the intensity of the playoffs through the TV, Marner is feeling it right in front of his face and he's shiitting in his pants.

I noticed his timidness/fear so much more against the Habs, so maybe the JT injury spooked him even more than the 11 shiitty games he had before last year's playoffs.

It can happen. PTSD kinda thing. It did happen IMO and hopefully it won't happen again. ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯

This couldn't be any clearer of a point that people who bag on Matthews forget or ignore.

I've played hockey in my younger life, when you have the kid who sucks on your line it's a constant 5 on 4. When you have a Marner hiding in the soft areas of the ice, you're fu3ked. Period.

Marner has to find his man balls. He's playing with fear and it's obvious. Even fans can feel the intensity of the playoffs through the TV, Marner is feeling it right in front of his face and he's shiitting in his pants.

I noticed his timidness/fear so much more against the Habs, so maybe the JT injury spooked him even more than the 11 shiitty games he had before last year's playoffs.

It can happen. PTSD kinda thing. It did happen IMO and hopefully it won't happen again. ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯
- underhill14

Matthews had grade A chances and didn't finish.

That is on him, not Marner.

Also the goalie for the Habs was a factor

Also the goalie for the Habs was a factor
- Zezel

Also there’s been a new thread for three hours ya bunch of (frank)ing losers

Also the goalie for the Habs was a factor
- Zezel

Do I have to repeat myself?

That’s what he’s telling us. He’s not trying to trade the Richard winner or the First Team All Star or the guy with the no move or trade or whatever (aren’t they the same according to someone?) or Willie. He believes in his core and there weren’t any trades out there that made the team better.
- Canada Cup

I believe he said the offers wouldn't make the team better, to me it sounds like he's sitting on his hands instead trying to make the team better himself.

Matthews had grade A chances and didn't finish.

That is on him, not Marner.
- Leafs43

Sure, nothing is a 100%. Of course Matthews has to own some of it...and really all of it if he's a gud pro.

But some on here need to remember they're not mutually exclusive either.

Players have a whole bunch of superstitions to get them 'ready' or 'on their game'. Life circumstance can affect players' play. Sometimes really small things affect their game...like how a bad goal in the first minute can affect the whole team's play.

Stepping on the ice with a player that is not doing their job, or more specifically a player that 'you don't have to worry about shooting the puck' or 'is small and afraid and Weber/Charot doesn't even need to look at him' is not a little thing and will most certainly affect your line mates game.

Matthews has to own his shiit even if Marner playing badly/afraid didn't help him at all in any way.

But none of that takes away Marner's responsibility in the whole outcome.

Keefe should've split them up....he's responsible too.

Matthews had grade A chances and didn't finish.

That is on him, not Marner.
- Leafs43

Matthews also had Danault on him like glue. He's also outscored Mitch Marner in 3 straight playoffs. He also plays a more difficult position. He also hasn't taken atrocious penalties at the most inopportune of times.

Has AM34 played his best hockey or dominated like we wish we did? Nope. But, I humbly (not really though) put forth, he has been more effective and looked more dangerous than Marner consistently through the last few years in the playoffs.

Less whataboutism and more Mitchaboutism please.