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Craig Berube Makes Big Mitch Marner Admission

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated May 8, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Florida Panthers once again on Wednesday night (4-3), taking a 2-0 series lead as the matchup shifts to Sunrise.

Over the years, Marner and the rest of Toronto’s "Core Four" — Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander — have faced criticism for underperforming in the playoffs. Last season, Marner managed just one goal and two assists in seven playoff games.

But this time around, through eight games and into the second round for just the second time since Tavares solidified the core in 2018, Marner has posted two goals, eight assists, and 10 points.

There’s a different feel around the team this season, and much of that success can be credited to Marner elevating his game.

Following Wednesday’s victory, head coach Craig Berube spoke to the media and admitted that Marner "does have the ability to make something happen when it counts."

"Mitch is a great player," Berube said. "We all know that - a very intelligent player, plays extremely well on both sides of the puck, touches all areas of the game. But he does have the ability to make something happen when it counts… that 4 Nations play to McDavid and then tonight with the big goal. And that's what we need out of these guys."

Berube on Marner being a difference maker: “Mitch is a great player. We all know that - a very intelligent player; plays extremely well on both sides of the puck, touches all areas of the game. But he does have the ability to make something happen when it counts… that 4 Nations…
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 8, 2025

Marner is in his ninth NHL season after being drafted fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2015. The 28-year-old winger has recorded 90 or more points in a season four times, surpassing the 100-point mark for the first time this year with 102.

Over his career, he’s tallied 221 goals, 520 assists, and 741 points.

Game 3 between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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