Marner setting the standard for Leafs with increased physical play

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs. The Leafs and Buffalo Sabres practised at the Ford Performance Centre on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s game at Scotiabank Arena.

In preparation for the playoffs, the Leafs are looking to increase their physicality and a surprising player has stepped up to lead the way. Over the last nine games, since March 26, Mitch Marner leads the team in hits. 

"In the last couple of games, in particular, someone like Mitch has really taken the lead in that for us, shown the way, and set the standard," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "If a guy like him who is playing as much as he is and does so much for our team can commit like that, every single one of our guys can follow suit."

During his first five National Hockey League seasons, Marner recorded 1.31 hits per 60 minutes. Last season, he was at 1.11. This season, he's up to 3.05. 

"I'm trying to be more competitive on pucks," Marner said. "That's something our line's done good is just forechecking and being physical on the puck. We're using our body a little more in trying to get in there and get the puck out of sticky situations and into our hands and into the middle and working from there."

Standing 6-foot, 172 pounds, Marner feels like he can catch opponents off guard at times. 

"Obviously, I'm not the biggest-looking guy," he said. "I'm not trying to blow anyone up or anything like that. Just trying to work my body into hands and trying to separate the puck from the guy — and it's been working."

The Leafs rank 25th overall in hits per 60 minutes this season, but since March 26 Toronto is seventh overall. 

"Our team has a lot of skill on it, but some nights we get away from ... cutting