I've always said Marner is great when he has space to move and others generally need to create that space for him.
He has 2 goals in 3 games since returning from 4 nations. Both were not 5v5, one was 5v4 PP and the other 3v3 OT. Both plays, Matthews made spectacular plays to give Marner room. People really underestimating just how good Matthews is.
Goal 1:
On the PP...Matthews stick lifted and physically checked a Bruins player, allowing Marner to pick up a Tavares pass and walk into the goalie on a 2v1, with the Bruin defender standing still trying to defend the 2v1 in tight.
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Goal 2:
On the 3v3 OT, Marner jumped the zone all alone, relying on Matthews to win the 50/5] battle to a loose puck and sending Marner on a breakaway.
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The real question is why isn't the best playmaker in the league (apparently), Marner, setting up any of these types of plays for Matthews? Why is Matthews struggling to score off Marner passes? Nylander set up a literal tap in for Tavares a couple games ago...why aren't we seeing Marner do the same?
Marner had 2 points in four 4nations games.
He has 2 points (both in 1 game) in 3 games since returning.
He's got a total of 4 points in his last games.
He has a total of 1 5v5 point in his past 7 games.
Let's settle down a bit.