Red-hot Marner preps for challenge against gold standard Crosby

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who held a practice at the Ford Performance Centre on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mitch Marner was at home with his parents back in 2010 when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal at the Vancouver Olympics. 

"Watching on the couch like everyone else," Marner recalled. "Went nuts when that went in. Just a lot of joy."

Marner had hoped to play alongside Crosby in Beijing at this year's Winter Games. Instead, he and Crosby will face off on Thursday night when the Penguins visit Toronto. 

In the last month (since Jan. 15), no two players have produced more points than Marner and Crosby. Marner has racked up 11 goals and 11 assists in 11 games. Crosby has recorded nine goals and 13 assists in 14 games. 

On Tuesday night, the Penguins captain scored his 500th career goal in the NHL. Asked about Crosby's incredible run, Marner isn't sure where to start.  

"There's a lot to think of," the Leafs winger said. "It's a crazy career."