Following Heroic OT Winner for Canada, Mitch Marner Shows Why He's a Step Behind the Greats

Team Canada captain Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon have shown the kind of leadership and accountability that leads to Stanley Cup wins.

The leadership and commitment to greatness they display is something Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and everyone else at the 4 Nations Face-Off should be paying close attention to.

Marner certainly left his mark on the opening game of the tournament against Team Sweden, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.

It was enough to earn huge praise from Team Canada coach John Cooper, who made it very clear after the win how he views Marner.

However, while Marner and the rest of the team stayed home the following day, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon were on the ice in Brossard, despite the fact the area is getting hit with a heavy snow storm.

It's also worth noting that Crosby and MacKinnon were the last two players to leave the Team Canada presser after beating Sweden, which ended in just enough time for both of them to get some sleep and get back at it.

Some may not see it as much, but others will realize the importance of leading by example, and fully committing yourself to your team in order to win championships.

The current version of the Maple Leafs has been heavily criticized over the last few seasons for lacking the leadership and accountability that's needed in the NHL to get your named etched on Lord Stanley's Cup.

Marner, as well as teammates William Nylander, Auston Matthews and John Tavares, often bear the brunt of that criticism.

Matthews has a huge chance to show Maple Leafs teammates and fans what kind of leader he can be as he captains Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Meanwhile, Marner still has a lot to learn about commitment and sacrifice if he wants to help lead the Leafs to victory come playoff time.