Tribute Marner Appreciation Thread

[LeafsNation75]

Super Elite.

 

[LeafsNation75]

2) Here are examples of things I've repeated... Mitch doesn't get his nose dirty (he stays out of scrums and difficult areas of the ice and doesn't physically get involved in battles), he forces plays (tries to deke the puck into the net, or clears the puck by flipping the puck high on the air instead of just on the ice and out leading to a penalty, or flipping a pass over a defender to an outnumbered area of center ice near the opponents bench)... Others have said this as well ALOT.

Marner might not get into a lot of scrums. However, he will also do whatever it takes to win a game, especially in the playoffs when you see him blocking two straight David Pastrnak shots like this against Boston from Game 3 in 2019.

 

[Racer88]

Never really understood how a 5'7" 130 lbs man could be called a knight of anything

All the ”force” in the universe wasn’t making that dude a man

 

[ACC1224]

This place would be so much better if whoever started the thread could block people from it.

 

[Gabriel426]

This place would be so much better if whoever started the thread could block people from it.

Need different opinions. Just wish people can be more open to others opinions and just stop and move on if gets too heated.

I forgot who wrote it a year or two ago, and didn't remember what was it about either, but what poster wrote made so much sense. That poster pretty much said, people on the HF board and the internet would rather win the argument than trying to have a discussion. Instead of seeing and accepting that the other side also made sense, some would just double, triple down on what they said.

 

[Gabriel426]

You're completely right about Cooper based on how he made excuses last year, like after Game 1 when the Leafs won 5-0.

However, and I'm not trying to stick up for him when I say this, the positive comments he said about Marner was from March 2019, which was 3 years before last year's playoff series.

My point was not about when Cooper said it but what he said and people will use it as long as it aligns with what they are saying.

Also the quote is as smart not smarter or smartest.

Like I kept saying, MM is right up there with anyone in terms of Hockey IQ and the actual play. I respect that some including you think he is top 5 Hockey IQ all time, but at the same time if someone like myself state that he is not top 5 Hockey IQ all time, it doesn't mean we don't think he has high IQ or bad at hockey.

 

[ACC1224]

Need different opinions. Just wish people can be more open to others opinions and just stop and move on if gets too heated.

I forgot who wrote it a year or two ago, and didn't remember what was it about either, but what poster wrote made so much sense. That poster pretty much said, people on the HF board and the internet would rather win the argument than trying to have a discussion. Instead of seeing and accepting that the other side also made sense, some would just double, triple down on what they said.

Opinions are fine in the appropriate thread. This place ahs a terrible time with keeping threads on topic.

 

[ZEBROA]

I dont see any trolls or haters in this thread. Some have higher expectations but its not stupid high.

I vote for Marner almost every game, because i expect more. And i will be right soon. He is a better shooter now.

 

[LeafsNation75]

My point was not about when Cooper said it but what he said and people will use it as long as it aligns with what they are saying.

Also the quote is as smart not smarter or smartest.

Like I kept saying, MM is right up there with anyone in terms of Hockey IQ and the actual play. I respect that some including you think he is top 5 Hockey IQ all time, but at the same time if someone like myself state that he is not top 5 Hockey IQ all time, it doesn't mean we don't think he has high IQ or bad at hockey.

I want to say that I also respect you and I never thought you were saying Marner was bad at Hockey just because you don't put him top 5 all time in Hockey IQ.

Compared to others on here who bash Marner no matter what, you were just stating an opinion and weren't trying to dismiss others on here who have defended Marner when he gets bashed for no good reason.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I dont see any trolls or haters in this thread. Some have higher expectations but its not stupid high.

I vote for Marner almost every game, because i expect more. And i will be right soon. He is a better shooter now.

It's amazing how his shot went from being a middle of the road muffin to borderline sniper pretty much overnight. Would be interesting to know how that happened exactly but it obviously made him a much better player overall.

 

[Gary Nylund]

My point was not about when Cooper said it but what he said and people will use it as long as it aligns with what they are saying.

Also the quote is as smart not smarter or smartest.

Like I kept saying, MM is right up there with anyone in terms of Hockey IQ and the actual play. I respect that some including you think he is top 5 Hockey IQ all time, but at the same time if someone like myself state that he is not top 5 Hockey IQ all time, it doesn't mean we don't think he has high IQ or bad at hockey.

re. the bolded - exactly!

People are making way too much of that quote anyway, like it was on the tablet Moses threw down from the mountain or something. I think if a friend asked in private over a few beers if Cooper really thought that Marner's hockey vision was as good as Gretzky's, there's a good chance Cooper would say come one now, Marner's vision is elite but what I said wasn't meant to be taken literally. And even if he did mean it literally, it doesn't mean it's true (here come the pitchforks LOL). For me personally, I'd just say that IMHO, there is not one player in the world today who's hockey vision is superior to Marner's and if there was a hockey vision Hall of Fame, he'd be in on the first ballot. While that might not be enough for some people, I think it's pretty high praise.

 

[WillyC]

What exactly are you saying? Those statements are compliments? But my same criticism was different because they weren't compliments? WHAT???

This is a compliment.... " @Dekes For Days you are an incredible writer!"

This is someone complimenting you on improving on a weakness

" @Dekes For Days I've noticed that you've gotten much better at writing short messages that are easy to read and understand your argument"

In real time I accused Marner of all the things that Trotz "complimented" him and the rest of the stars on making improvements on.

Bases on his Trotz statements about past playoff games he watched of the leafs... What do you think he was saying In real time during those games?

"Those leafs are incredible I like how they can improve on getting their noses dirty and making easy plays!"

This is a joke right?

No joke… it was a compliment.

You just can’t see it because you want to be right… and Marner’s extreme elitism, is getting under your skin.

 

[LeafsNation75]

It's amazing how his shot went from being a middle of the road muffin to borderline sniper pretty much overnight. Would be interesting to know how that happened exactly but it obviously made him a much better player overall.

Marner did say he wanted to work on improving shot and using it a lot more.

Mark Masters: Marner adopts attack mindset in bid to land more shots | TSN

Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner has landed just one shot on net in the last two games. In seven games this season, the 25-year-old is averaging 1.9 shots per game and has scored just once. Mark Masters has more from San Jose.

www.tsn.ca

The funny thing is when Marner wasn't shooting as much, it kind of helped to his and the team's advantage. For example, in the 2019-20 season he scored this game winning goal on a one-timer in overtime against Ottawa. Craig Simpson had said Ottawa was expecting him to pass the puck, so they didn't expect him to shot it from where he did.

 

[Gabriel426]

Marner did say he wanted to work on improving shot and using it a lot more.

Mark Masters: Marner adopts attack mindset in bid to land more shots | TSN

Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner has landed just one shot on net in the last two games. In seven games this season, the 25-year-old is averaging 1.9 shots per game and has scored just once. Mark Masters has more from San Jose.

www.tsn.ca

The funny thing is when Marner wasn't shooting as much, it kind of helped to his and the team's advantage. For example, in the 2019-20 season he scored this game winning goal on a one-timer in overtime against Ottawa. Craig Simpson had said Ottawa was expecting him to pass the puck, so they didn't expect him to shot it from where he did.

I think it will be better in the long run. I remember MM used to never even look at the goalie during 2 v 1 when he had the puck. Which allowed both the Dman and Goalie to cheat on playing for the pass. This changed this season, as MM started to look at the goalie, and making it hard for the goalie and Dman to cheat.

 

[blue stick]

I don't comment much but it blows my mind to see such hatred for Mitch Marner from some of these so-called fans. I've been following the Leafs since the 1960s and the Leafs are fortunate to have such a talented player. Go Leafs Go!

 

[LeafsNation75]

I think it will be better in the long run. I remember MM used to never even look at the goalie during 2 v 1 when he had the puck. Which allowed both the Dman and Goalie to cheat on playing for the pass. This changed this season, as MM started to look at the goalie, and making it hard for the goalie and Dman to cheat.

Here is a great example of a 2 v 1 Marner had with Matthews in Game 5 against Tampa Bay on the game winning goal, because Marner shot the puck and the rebound came right out to Matthews. If that exact same play happened a few years ago who knows if Marner even attempts a shot on goal and just passes right to Matthews for the initial shot.

 

[Gabriel426]

Here is a great example of a 2 v 1 Marner had with Matthews in Game 5 against Tampa Bay on the game winning goal, because Marner shot the puck and the rebound came right out the Matthews. If that exact same play happened a few years ago who knows if Marner even attempts a shot on goal and just passes right to Matthews for the initial shot.

Exactly that. Even if MM is passing the puck, as long as he even peaked at the goalie once, the goalie will think MM might shoot and that extra thought in the goalie's mind might be the difference between making a save or getting a goal.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I don't comment much but it blows my mind to see such hatred for Mitch Marner from some of these so-called fans. I've been following the Leafs since the 1960s and the Leafs are fortunate to have such a talented player. Go Leafs Go!

LOL wut? Some people complain about his contract and that was never on him anyway and even that talk has died down. I'm curious - can you point us to a post that makes you think that people hate him?

Exactly that. Even if MM is passing the puck, as long as he even peaked at the goalie once, the goalie will think MM might shoot and that extra thought in the goalie's mind might be the difference between making a save or getting a goal.

And sometimes, he does shoot, and when he does he often scores!

 

[Gary Nylund]

I just looked it up, in case I was imaging it and the numbers back it up- below is Marner's shooting percentage for his career. Mediocre for 4 years, then a slight improvement in year 5 and then in year 6, he's a sniper. IMO that jump made him a much better player and his game is pretty much compete now, unless you want him to add physicality or WE and that's just not realistic.

Another thing that hasn't been talked about much (probably because it hasn't been an issue) is his durability. There was some concern in the early years about how his puny body would hold up to the rigors of the rough and tumble hockey that is the NHL and ... not a problem.

It's funny too how in early years there were a ton of posts saying that the passes he made in junior wouldn't work in the NHL, I remember saying how do you know? I mean sure he makes a bad pass now and then but on the whole, his creativity is a good thing.

 

[LeafsNation75]

I just looked it up, in case I was imaging it and the numbers back it up- below is Marner's shooting percentage for his career. Mediocre for 4 years, then a slight improvement in year 5 and then in year 6, he's a sniper. IMO that jump made him a much better player and his game is pretty much compete now, unless you want him to add physicality or WE and that's just not realistic.

Another thing that hasn't been talked about much (probably because it hasn't been an issue) is his durability. There was some concern in the early years about how his puny body would hold up to the rigors of the rough and tumble hockey that is the NHL and ... not a problem.

It's funny too how in early years there were a ton of posts saying that the passes he made in junior wouldn't work in the NHL, I remember saying how do you know? I mean sure he makes a bad pass now and then but on the whole, his creativity is a good thing.


View attachment 651988

If it wasn't for Marner missing 10 games last season, chances are he would have got at least 100 points or more, because he finished with 97 points in 72 games played.

 

[ZEBROA]

I would rather have prime P. Forsberg goin in to the playoffs then Marner, that dont make me a hater or not very happy we got Marner, just a Leaf fan.

Some act like he is the best player in NHL some like he is below 20 or more. I think he is in the 10 mark but expect him to be a few steps up. Being the top paid playmaker winger playing with a good or the best sniper on NHL, thats what we should expect.

 

[Yall are crazy]

I can’t believe marners high iq is actually a debate. It’s literally his #1 asset

Compare him to nylander:
Shot is slower and less accurate
Top speed is worse
Puck protection is a tad worse
He’s weaker than nylander
His edgework is probably better
Stick handling slightly better

If the gap between them isn’t much physically, and nylander usually is ahead it’s has to be mentally/iq wise.

It’s taking nylander to have a career year to achieve Marner’s normal numbers. I love nylander, but the facts are Marner is better, and if the things above are true, then marners iq must be off the charts for him to consistently outpace nylander, who has great iq in his own right

The semantics of “top 5” or “top 10” don’t really matter, if categorized, marner is in tier 1

Like his brain has literally been his brand Nf what he's most been known for for years. McdVid and crosby aren't even known for their brain like that and they're the best.

 

[Yall are crazy]

. Pause the video at the 1 second mark and you will see my point. Matthews is falling on his back, and the puck is still 2 stick lengths behind him and the Tampa player is already between Matthews and the puck.

When Marner retrieves the puck in his defensive zone, there are three leafs in the defensive zone and two Tampa players. Both the Tampa players are pressuring Marner from the front and side. Marner has two leafs behind him. I'd say the safe play was to reverse rhe puck...but Marner opts to lift the puck over a fore checkers head (who nearly knocks it down) and into the area where three Tampa players are and only two leafs. The puck lands behind Matthews and right near the Tampa bench where a fresh player coming of rhe bench picks it off at full speed.

I'd say the high IQ play is to reverse the puck to his defenders behind him, the safe play was to hammer it down the ice for an icing and the high risk and cocky/selfish play was to try to pitch the puck like a golf ball, over rhe head of a defender right onto Matthews stick in a outnumbered area of the ice, in a game six overtime game.

Even if that were a clearing attempt, it was a dumb one...giving he opted to flip it slowly over the oppositions head towards rhe oppositions bench, instead of hard and out.

You been here for 3 months jacking up this appreciation thread. Go jack off about it, get marner out of your system, and go find another crush to harass appreciative fans about.

 

[Yall are crazy]

Your original quote is above. I think we all agree that he's one of the smartest players in the league, I said earlier today that I'd put him on the very top tier in that regard but he's not alone there, there are others who I'd say have comparable IQ etc.

Here's what Cooper said,

"The one thing about Marner is he is as smart a player as this league has not only seen this year, has ever seen,".

A bit over the top perhaps but even so, you can't measure hockey IQ so I'm fine with saying that it's close enough to the truth that I wouldn't dispute the point. Marner's hockey IQ and vision are fantastic, right up there with anyone I've ever seen. However, what Cooper said doesn't mean that there haven't been others who were on the same level in that regard, that's just basic knowledge of the English language. As smart - not the same as highest/best.

I have googled this, I haven't found anyone say he's the highest/best, not even Cooper said that so to be clear I'll repeat again that saying he's the best would mean nobody is as good as him in this regard, not even Gretzky and once again, that is not what Cooper said.

I follow the team pretty closely, had anyone worth listening to say Marner is "the best", I'm sure I would have heard about it so I say your statement that multiple ppl in the league have said that Marner has the highest/best iq and vision in the league is false, simple as that.

If it's so easy to find proof of your claims, you shouldn't have any trouble posting a few links for us showing who these "multiple ppl in the league" are who say Marner is "the best". If you're honest about it, you will either post some links backing up what you said (do that and I'll happily admit that I am 100% wrong) but when you find out that this never happened, you'll admit that you were mistaken. No biggie, happens to the best of us. Cheers!


Considering just today you said that Marner gave the the team a 5 million dollar discount by signing his contract, you're the last person who should be talking about jesters and clowns.

The poster that seems to be triggering you on a daily basis has a good point every now and than but he's trying waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too hard. But so are you, you're just pulling in the opposite direction.

Why is marner the only person I the nhl who plays practically every position and has for years. How come others aren't dangling and deking like him days in days out, breaking records and breaking up plays co sisterly no matter who the opponent is. Making any and every player better since they got in the league as soon as they meet. He can have their data down flat with their weaknesses and strengths down pat. How come marner is the only one to have his iq revered constantly as his main selling point from radio hosts to revered current and past historic players. You say marners high iq isn't that's pecial and a lot of players have it and I completely disagree. If they had it they would be doing what he's been doing for over a decade and a half with whoever they play with. But they don't and if they could they would

 

[Yall are crazy]

That I agree with and by no means am I denying that.
Just hard to rank him in the top 5 all time and top 5 in the current league.
Just like we can name the best player in the league in McD and I don’t think anyone would dispute that but can anyone name the 2nd best player without another player being in the conversation?

I eesonally think it's easy to see there's a good chance marner has the best iq in the current nhl. He's def top 5 of all time. Esp in a time when high iq is something everyone and their mom has and marner is usually placed at the top by his peers and nhl top dogs while the players from the older Era played in a time where most players were grinders or plugs so ofc they're gonna be seen as being far more talented and exquisite bc against the league that was mainly basic players at the time and that was gretzy Mario etc competition. If they played in this Era, their numbers def wouldn't be as high above everyone else's. I don't even think gretzky would've gotten his 50 point streak record if he played in this talent heavy most stacked draft classes in history smart Era of hockey.