May 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) scores a goal and celebrates with defenseman Chris Tanev (8) against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
In what he described as a “whirlwind,” Mitch Marner turned 28, became a father, and scored the game-winning goal in Game 2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second-round series against the Florida Panthers in the last four days.
On Wednesday in Game 2, the crowd at Scotiabank Arena erupted as his wrist shot from the point found the back of the net, restoring a one-goal lead just 17 seconds after Florida tied the game 3-3 in the third period. It proved to be the game-winning goal, helping the club protect home-ice advantage in a big moment for the star winger.
“It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least,” said Marner post-game. “It’s been a really exciting time in my house with my wife and I and our families, just with the excitement of our newborn. Like I spoke about, my wife’s been an absolute beast throughout this whole process letting me get my sleep and taking the reins on our newborn. It’s been a special moment. It’s a pretty special feeling tonight scoring that goal, for sure.”
“A lot of good stuff happened in his life. And then, obviously, a huge goal tonight,” added head coach Craig Berube post-game. “Mitch is a great player. We all know that. A very intelligent player, plays extremely well on both sides of the puck and touches all areas of the game for you. But he does have the ability to make something happen when it counts... That's what we need out of these guys.”
It was Marner's first goal since Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators.
Following the goal, as he came back to the bench, the Sportsnet broadcast captured a blue letter ‘M’ on the forward’s stick. That ‘M’ stands for Miles Daniel Marner, Mitch’s newborn son. And for the new dad, it’s more than just a tribute but a reminder to remain calm in the heat of playoff hockey when he looks down and sees the reference between shifts.
“Just calmness,” Marner said. “I try to stay calm as much as I can throughout games, it’s always a roller coaster ride. There’s always stuff going on, stuff you can’t predict happening. I’ve always had the ‘Z’ on my stick and my gloves, and now I’m adding the ‘M’ to it just for my son, and yeah, it’s just something that I’m trying to play for him.”
“It’s a cool thing to see it during games and just calm myself down and just take a deep breath, just relax, and try and go out there and do my thing,” he added.
Before Miles, there was Zeus, his chocolate lab. Since 2022, the letter ‘Z’ has appeared on Marner’s gloves and stick – a small homage to his dog, as he mentioned. Now, he’ll ride with both letters every time he steps onto the ice.
“That’s my guy Zeus, he’s on my stick now, too,” Marner explained in November 2022. “I just try to do what he does out there when he’s on the field. Just buzz around and chase down the ball and be a big force.”
Similarly, teammate John Tavares does the same for his three kids, Jace, Axton, and Rae. On one side of the stick are the kids' names. On the other side are their respective birthdates. It’s not uncommon for players to do these types of nods to their personal lives as they serve as reminders that they are playing for something bigger than the on-ice action.
Leading the series 2-0, Marner will take that calmness and that motivation with him as the Leafs head to Florida for Games 3 and 4, looking to add to their already longest playoff run in the ‘Core Four’ era.
In eight games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marner has collected two goals, eight assists, and 10 points.
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