Mark and mark and mark: Mitchell Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs extended his scoring streak to 18 games in Wednesday night’s 3-1 home win at Scotiabank Arena against the San Jose Sharks.
The 25-year-old Canadian thus sets a franchise record.
With a penchant for drama: Marner sets a franchise record
Marner’s scoring streak hung in the balance. When the Sharks took their goalkeeper off the ice for another striker a full two minutes before the end, things got even more dramatic: 1:24 minutes before the end, Marner aimed for an empty net, but only hit the left outside post from the neutral zone. The end of his streak of 17 points in the game? No! With 1:11 left, defenseman Alex Kerfoot put him back in the spotlight. Marner got into the offensive zone and scored with a low shot to make it 3-1 (59th).
The Toronto forward extended his personal scoring streak to 18 games and matched the Maple Leafs franchise record. Before him, Darryl Sittler (1977/78 season) and Eddie Olczyk (1989/90 season) were already successful.
“It was something very special. It meant a lot to me,” Marner said after the game. When his goal was announced by the announcer, the crowd at Scotiabank Arena gave a standing ovation. “My family was here, so it was a special moment,” said the 25-year-old Canadian, who was born in Markham, 25 kilometers north of Toronto. “They weren’t standing next to me, of course, but I’m sure they enjoyed that moment in the crowd and absorbed it as much as I did. It’s also special because I grew up in this city and I’m a big fan of this team. Which now that my name is alongside so many other incredible players is really special. I never expected that as a kid and now that it’s a reality it’s a great moment. Of course, winning the game is even more important.”
Sittler couldn’t have been happier for Marner. He watched the game in the arena with his son Ryan.
“I’m happy for Mitch,” Sittler said of setting his record. “Well done. He deserves it. He’s such a capable player. And he cares about this city, these fans and this team.
He does a lot for this community on and off the ice. He’s a great guy.”
Videos: TOR 3, SJS 1
“Hey, when I used to play the records weren’t tracked in the same way. A reporter could add up some numbers from the play notes and then tell you you did something special. There wasn’t as much hype as there was with Mitch.”
In those 18 games, Marner has 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists). “We are all so excited about him,” said the teammate Austin Matthews. “Throughout his streak he’s been incredible, leading our team and fighting hard in every game. We’re all very happy for him. It took until the last minute and there were some scary moments, but we’re glad he’s there.” ‘have done. “
Given the drama of the final phase, the goalkeeper had to do it Ilya Samsonov laughs: “I was a little worried about his record. But Mitchell scored and answered all questions. Let’s see how long his streak will last. We are very happy for Mitchell, it was fun and it was an important victory “.
Toronto marches in November – New line mate for Marner
Previously, the Maple Leafs had to block a check (18:49 hits) and blocks (17:24 blocks) the San Jose team, but they recorded the most shots in each period (32:24 overall) and made twice advantage: Matthews successfully deflects a shot by Mac Holloway for 1-0 (25 ‘). The goal machine scored in three consecutive games and increased the number of hits to twelve. Scored at the end of the third third Pierre Envall the 2:1 (58th).
Video: SJS@TOR: Engvall puts Toronto ahead at the end of the 3rd
The Maple Leafs are second in the Atlantic Division with a 15-5-5 record. After a rather mixed October (4-4-2), the Canadians followed up with a strong November (11-1-3).
“We are in a good position and feel good as a team. We have a lot of confidence and are where we should be,” said Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe. “If we had started better, we would have been even better in the table. Maybe we wouldn’t have had such a good November after this start. A lot can happen in 82 games. We are happy with this month, but yes tomorrow the calendar will turn the page.”
After five straight wins, the Maple Leafs continue with a road game at the Tampa Bay Lightning. There Marner can set a new franchise record with another point scorer.
However, he will probably play in a new module because his colleague in a row Jarnkrok street he suffered a groin injury midway through the second period, disappeared into the locker room and, according to Keefe, will be “out for a while.” Now it’s a question of finding a third striker for the solid duo around Marner e John Tavares find.
