Craig Berube Sends Strong Message to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner as Leafs Face Elimination

There's a lot riding on Game 6 for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but none more so than Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, though for different reasons.

Matthews' legacy could be defined with a poor showing, or he could redeem himself with a huge effort that leads Toronto to success.

Marner on the other hand is heading into free agency with lots of questions regarding if his performances will lead to some hesitancy in the summer, and he needs to start contributing more too after a strong first round.

Both men are going to be under the microscope on Friday night, but for head coach Craig Berube, he has nothing but the utmost belief in the two and hasn't thought about switching things up in that regard:

Yes they have had success, and are one of the best duos in hockey over recent years, but when it comes to the playoffs, it's anything but.

Two first round wins is all they have to show for their successes, and giving up a 2-0 lead to the reigning champs and losing four straight is a horrible look for a team expected to do so much.

Matthews hasn't scored in six games, Marner hasn't touched the net since Game 2. That type of performance would normally get someone benched, but since they are bulletproof; it's fully their responsibility.

So it's not too shocking to see Berube pull the captain aside and try to give him some extra motivation heading into possibly the biggest game of his entire career.

Whether he is just trying to calm his nerves or giving him some last minute instructions, it's clear the coach is trying to do everything he can to make sure Matthews is mentally prepared for Game 6.

But it's just more of the same old, and it feels like a repeat of the Sheldon Keefe era, where the two would often find a lack of chemistry or success but would never be separated for fear of any backlash (from fans or from their agents).

Matthews has 10 points in 11 games (2G, 8A) but those two goals are sticking out like a sore thumb and there's no real reason for the sudden drop off, even when he's shooting he's missing.

Marner is coming off his first 100-point season (102P, 27G, 75A) but his inability to pull through in the clutch has always been an issue. We thought things changed with how he played this year, but it's more of the same again.

They have no more excuses, and a first round scare against Ottawa signalled that maybe this year was tougher than anticipated.

A 2-0 lead was fantastic, and gave fans a lot of hope. But much like the teams of old, they have their backs against the wall with Matthews expected to carry them through.

Let's hope things are different this time.