Exactly. Cooper in his postgame presser said he had a group chat with his "best players" after game 2. Marner of course wasn't part of that group.
Clearly, none of those best players, came to bat for Marner in that meeting, nobody was begging to have Marner on their line.... which is why Marner ended up on the checking line.
Marner wasnt part of the initial team picks, he doesnt have a letter on the club, he isnt part of the best players that Cooper meets with... yet he's standing trying to outwait 36 year old Marchand and 37 year old Captain Crosby.
It really is mind boggling.