The Toronto Maple Leafs must go back to reuniting Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews when it comes to the playoffs, according to NHL analysts Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne.
When Matthews was out for nearly a month this season , Mitch Marner stepped up and proved that not only can he succeed without the captain, but he’s actually better. It’s a change that even head coach Craig Berube is hesitant to switch given the team’s success.
However according to prominent NHL analysts Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne on their ‘Real Kyper and Bourne’ Podcast, Toronto would find their most success surprisingly by going back to what seemingly didn’t work:
‘It was only a matter of time before it was coming. You cannot have Auston Matthews on pace for like 30 goals, or sit at five goals now comin back; he needs 16 [Marner]. You need to win a playoff game, it’s a done deal that 16 is with 34.’
Why Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews Will Play Together Again
It was no surprise to see Marner and Matthews back together again, as much as Toronto has succeeded with their separation, there’s no denying both of them together make a big impact.
The main criticism towards both men playing together is that Marner often passes up a chance to score for a pass to Matthews and it can lead to complacency at times.
But with Marner showcasing more of his goal-scoring ability in Matthews’ absence, there’s a potential for Marner to take more shots or create more rebound opportunities for Matthews to pounce on.
So far this season, both men have combined for 52 points with Marner sharing the bulk of that, but Matthews has five points since returning and if both men can learn to play together without getting too ‘cute’ then Toronto will be a force to be reckoned with.
Marner this season is on pace for 100+ points and has 36 points in 25 games, meanwhile Matthews is at a point-per-game average with 16 points in 16 games.
While the team hasn’t had playoff success over recent years, this year is one of the first times the Maple Leafs have consistent goaltending, stout defense, and the stars are showing up; adding one more piece might be the key to unlocking a Stanley Cup.
Fans may argue that Marner was better without Matthews but there is no denying the skill and ability both men bring out of each other when together and if they can work on maintaining that individual dominance, the NHL needs to watch out.