Mitch Marner Sends Clear Message to His Teammates Ahead of Game 4 in Battle of Ontario

Even though the Toronto Maple Leafs currently lead the Ottawa Senators 3-0 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there's still a chance that their provincial rivals can make a stunning comeback and win four in a row to end their season and perhaps make history in the meantime.

Which is why it's important for the team to not get too lazy when it comes to playing the rest of the series out, and while the Leafs are in a premium spot going into Saturday's matchup, they've shown that sometimes they can act too relaxed.

Even though he might be on his way out the door in the summer, Mitch Marner is firmly focused on the task at hand, and had a strong statement to his teammates if they think the rest of the series is going to be a cakewalk:

Marner isn't saying that the Maple Leafs can't be happy heading into Game 4 and feeling confident, but they can't let confidence become complacency. They can't rest on their laurels and forget how to forecheck, or start to act undisciplined if Ottawa gets under their skin.

It feels like Marner is channeling his inner Craig Berube with his comments, and understands that this team in the past has a history of getting lazy or lackadaisical when it comes to sealing the deal, and everyone needs to show up.

Not for nothing, but Marner has shown out thus far and whether it's due to wanting a big contract, or just trying to win (this seems more feasible) he's done his job.

In his three games so far, he's recorded six points (1G, 5A) while adding his usual defensive wizardry and is hitting more, with three hits and three blocks; he's getting physical and it's working.

Don't expect Marner to take the foot off the gas anytime soon, and with the potential to face their nemesis, the Florida Panthers; they are going to need everyone to be at the top of their game. They just need to hope Tampa Bay can take a game or two from the Cats so Toronto can get a bit of a leg up.

So message sent boys, keep doing what you're doing and the Senators will have no answer for a suddenly complete and very scary Maple Leafs team.