Mitch Marner is being asked to do almost everything for the Toronto Maple Leafs, which includes a few shifts on the blue line.
Marner played defence alongside Brandon Carlo during the first period as the Maple Leafs were down to five defenders during their 1-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Toronto’s dynamic winger also scored the overtime winner, registering six shots in a strong performance.
“I like it back there. I think I expressed it to you guys last year,” Marner said post-game about being used as a defenceman. “I don’t feel lost or uncomfortable back there. I try to not make it difficult on myself, try to make quick, easy plays. I enjoy it back there when I get a chance to play D, to be honest.”
Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson missed Saturday’s game due to injuries and due to roster and cap limitations, the Maple Leafs couldn’t add an extra defenceman to their roster. Dakota Mermis will be called up on an emergency basis for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Our D, when we really needed them, they were unreal for us,” Marner said. “Some big, key blocks. Some big, key stick plays. But as a group, we just committed to playing defence first tonight and that’s something that you’re happy to see.”
Marner scored just in time, as he was expected to play defence on his 3-on-3 shift, when Carlo skated to the bench. Toronto’s star winger hopped over the boards, received a feed from William Nylander and beat Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes cleanly for the game-winner, instead.
