– I’m happy for Marner, says Keefe. I think he played with a lot more confidence and authority today. He got to score those goals he was waiting for and was involved in many situations. He’s an important player for us even the games he doesn’t score but I think this performance will take some of the pressure off him. It is positive for us.
– It worked well today, said Marner, who played the game against the Kraken with a full face visor after taking a puck to the face earlier this week against the Florida Panthers. Now I had good speed on my feet, got the puck in good positions and managed to convert the chances into goals. I was able to play relaxed and tried to be smart on the ice without trying to force anything. Nice to get paid.
The Maple Leafs (12-6-3) are in third place in the Atlantic Division, six points behind the leaders Boston Bruins (15-4-3) with a game less played. During November, the team has had difficulty getting solid efforts over 60 minutes, but has still managed to find ways to win the games. Against the Kraken, the 3-1 lead was lost to 3-3 in the last period.
– It’s a tough league and every night is a challenge, says defender Morgan Rielly. All opponents have skill, size and speed and as long as we pick up two points from the matches we are satisfied. It is clear that we would have played the game better in the third period but we will take this point.
– We are a team that is often in the lead and we must become more comfortable in being in that situation, says Marner. It feels like we have the situation under control, but we can’t ease up on the gas or pull back. Giving up a two-goal lead in the third period is not something we want to do and something we have to continue to work on.
The Maple Leafs play their next game on the night of Sunday, 01.00 Swedish time (Viaplay), when the Bruins come to visit.
2023-12-01 08:07:33
#Marner #hattrick #surroundings #Balancing #NHL.comen
