5 takeaways from Leafs-Panthers: Marner, Tavares lead the way in most important game of season

Knies was the recipient of the team belt, awarded to the best or most impactful player in a winning effort.

Here are XX takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Panthers

• Mitch Marner was sensational for the Maple Leafs and elevated his game during the third period, in the most important game of the regular season. The narratives surrounding Marner have been unfair at times, although some of the criticism is more warranted following the trade deadline, but he was terrific throughout the game, constantly creating chances throughout the game. Knies-Matthews-Marner outshot the Panthers 5-0 in the first period and were buzzing around the net, so it feels like good karma for the top line to get rewarded with two actual, critical goals against a rival on home ice. Marner put his body on the line to clear the puck out of the defensive zone, especially during the third period. There are some factions on the fan base that won’t be satisfied until Marner delivers an iconic playoff series, with some immediacy this summer, but he’s been the Maple Leafs’ MVP this season and responded with an excellent performance in all facets of the game.
• John Tavares scored his 15th goal since the season resumed after the 4 Nations break, and there’s a very strong argument to be made that he’s been the Maple Leafs’ best player at 5-on-5 for the past two months. Tavares scored a key goal to tie the game, disrupting the Panthers’ flow during a chaotic second period. Tavares could reach the 40-goal mark for the second time during his Maple Leafs tenure, and he was buzzing around the net all night, along with his linemate Bobby McMann, while Nylander served as the primary creator. “You love the professionalism and the mindset he has day in and day out. He’s almost like having another coach around, just to ask him things and what his thoughts are,” Berube said of Tavares post-game.
• There are seven games remaining in the regular season, and Anthony Stolarz is firmly in the lead for the playoff starter role. Stolarz withstood a Panthers offensive during the second period, and made several critical saves in the third period, including an A.J. Greer drive to the net with 10 minutes remaining. He was cool, calm, and collected and Gustav Forsling’s opening goal would’ve beat any goaltender in the league, and he was expertly screened on Sam Reinhart’s late marker. Although he downplayed the significance of facing his former team, Stolarz must be thrilled to defeat the Panthers, especially when he could play an integral role for the Maple Leafs this spring. “I think he’s one of the most vocal goalies I’ve ever had, which is great,” Marner said of Stolarz post-game. “He lets you know where guys are on the ice, penalty kill, even-strength wise. Even up-ice wise. That’s what you want from your goalie, you want him to let you know where guys are. Obviously, he can handle the puck very well. You’re comfortable when he gets it on his stick, he can make a play. He’s been great for us all year.
• I’ll have more on this element this week, but Brandon Carlo and Morgan Rielly have formed a mutually beneficial partnership. Carlo’s composure, along with his physicality and ability to clear opponents from the net-front, have allowed Rielly to play his game. Rielly struggled off the rush for the majority of the season, and Carlo has mitigated the danger. Carlo raved about his new partner after Wednesday’s morning skate, emphasizing the importance of on-ice communication, stating that he can hear Rielly on the ice. Rielly and Carlo finished with the greatest share of the expected goals of any Maple Leafs players, and it appears Toronto’s longest-tenured player could be turning the corner in time for the playoffs.
• How much predictive value is there from a Panthers team that was without Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk or Aaron Ekblad? This will be a different opponent in the postseason, but the Maple Leafs did well to generate chances against the NHL’s most suffocating team, and while Brad Marchand registered three shots, the McMann-Tavares-Nylander line countered well against Marchand, Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe throughout the evening. If the Leafs face the Panthers in the playoffs, Berube would be wise to use the Tavares line against Marchand, Bennett and company, while allowing Matthews and Marner to take on the Barkov assignment.