While the Bolts are focused on shutting down Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner could make them pay

Marner started this season much slower than expected, with only one assist in his first seven games. The Markham, ON native and the Leafs still looked haunted from blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Montreal Canadiens. But then, an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks back on October 27th seemed to spark the Leafs, who ultimately finished the season with a franchise high 54 wins and 115 points.

Mitch Marner was also able to establish a new career high in goals (35) and points (97). As we know, regular season statistics do not mean much for this team or this city anymore. And now, after five consecutive first round exits, the Leafs are matched up against defending back-to-back Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. A tough first round opponent, to be sure.

Given the Leafs' history, it is understandable that Leaf fans may not believe in Marner. However, I believe he is poised to have an excellent round and a huge playoffs for the Leafs, and here's why.

For starters, Marner is heading into the playoffs playing the best hockey of his career. Since January 15th, he is scoring at a 1.65 points-per-game pace (76 points in 46 games). Good for second in the entire league during that stretch, only trailing line mate and Hart Trophy favourite Auston Matthews (1.66 points-per-game).

What seems different is that not only has Marner picked up his physical play, posting a career-high 75 hits this season, but he has also adopted a shooter's mentality. Since January 15th, Marner has 161 shots on goal (13th in the league in that stretch). This puts his average shots-per-game at 3.5. Prior to January 15th, Marner had 63 shots in 26 games, for an average of 2.4 shots-per-game. With him shooting more, it gives the top line another weapon and forces defenders to play him as a potential shooter, which can also help open up Auston Matthews.

Marner may have a reputation for disappearing in the playoffs, but that wasn't always the case. We have seen Mitch show up in big games, in big moments in the past. Perhaps no bigger than the final seconds of game three in the 2019 playoffs against the Boston Bruins, when he tried to block a shot with his face.

Marner laying his body on the line like that showed he was willing to do whatever it takes to win. And after the disappointment he endured last season, I fully expect to see this version of Mitch Marner come puck drop tonight.

In life, we don't always get a chance for redemption. Mitch Marner and the Leafs will get that chance in round 1 against a very tough opponent.