There were also stats posted recently that his speed is down. I have to wonder what is going on with him... is it an injury that is bothering him? Would sitting him help? Reducing his playing time some?
Honeymoon hangover?
I don't think there is any question that this is a very talented collection of players, and they certainly do a lot of winning... but not when it counts. Whether that's the playoffs, or even times during this regular season, they just don't seem either consistent, or capable of raising their play when it counts... Even in the regular season, when the play gets rougher, like the playoffs, our guys play declines. Of all the guys on the team, Marner is the guy who we need to be like Marner of last regular season, both now, and especially in the playoffs. He was probably our MVP last regular season... and this season... not so much, and in the playoffs, nah.