Matthews, Marner build momentum, but task gets tougher in Tampa

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who held a team meeting on Thursday at Ford Performance Centre before travelling to Tampa ahead of Friday’s Game 3 matchup.

After combining for just one goal against the Montreal Canadiens in last year's playoffs, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are off to a productive start against the Tampa Bay Lightning this year. Both have two goals and three assists through two games.  

"They've been great," said winger Wayne Simmonds. "Obviously, everyone's going to dwell on the past. Hopefully these first two games kind of put that to bed. It's up to the rest of us to match their intensity. Big kudos to those guys. Those guys were putting their bodies on the line and doing everything they could."

They've been impressive at both ends of the ice. Matthews chased down Steven Stamkos to deny an odd-man rush on Wednesday.

"When you see things like Matty back checking and breaking up two-on-ones and stuff like that, it goes a long way for your group," noted veteran defenceman Mark Giordano. 

Matthews has taken on a greater leadership role this season. His message after the Game 2 defeat? 

"They came with a push and now it's our turn to push back and make sure that we have an answer," the 24-year-old said. 

After being dominated in Game 2 on home ice, Auston Matthews describes the Leafs' mindset heading into Game 3 on the road, and explains that the team's main focus is on pushing back. Meanwhile, Mark Giordano and Sheldon Keefe discuss the lessons learned Wednesday night, and the importance of better discipline.

The Leafs own a 4-0 edge in five-on-five play with Matthews on the ice so far. 

But the task for Toronto's top line will