Mitch Marner made a statement for Team Canada, and Leafs fans weren’t ready for what he said after
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Mitch Marner was the OT hero for Team Canada in their quarterfinals game vs. Czechia as Maple Leafs fans are conflicted on their feelings about the game-winner.
As Canada faced a much stronger Czechia side on Wednesday, they were facing the arduous task of getting past them without Sidney Crosby; who left in the second period and didn't return.
After Nick Suzuki scored to even things up at three apiece, it was Marner who surprisingly ended it all:
For all the criticism that Marner faced over his performance at the Olympics thus far, this is no doubt the biggest goal he's scored in his career and he managed to finally put things together when it mattered most.
Fans conflicted as Marner helps Canada advance to semifinals
For Maple Leafs fans, they are a bit conflicted as it's clear they are happy that Canada won, but the fact is was Marner is causing some headaches:
For nearly a decade, the criticism towards Marner as well as his Maple Leafs teammates was that they couldn't step up to the plate and finish the job, but he showed he still has some magic in him.
Brad Marchand showed a lot of love for Marner in his post-game comments, and showed that the Canadian side has a lot of love for the star winger even if he doesn't get the same adoration from fans:
Marner commented after the win, stating how important this winner was for him and why it meant so much:
It’s even more special. I have my son here with me.
Marner also mentioned that this goal was the biggest he's scored, and it's hard to argue against him there as he helped Canada survive their scariest test of the Olympics thus far.
Just don't expect Maple Leafs fans to feel good about it completely knowing it never happened when he was around.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Brad Marchand sat out two Team Canada games, and we now know why
Brad Marchand sat out two Team Canada games, and we now know why
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18|1681 ANSWERS Mitch Marner made a statement for Team Canada, and Leafs fans weren’t ready for what he said after Are you happy that Mitch Marner was the hero for Team Canada? | ||
| Yes | 1485 | 88.3 % |
| No | 196 | 11.7 % |
| List of polls | ||