On the eve of his ninth consecutive spring competing in the playoffs, Marner took time out from his postseason preparations for a 1-on-1 discussion with NHL.com, ranging from the Battle of Ontario, to the noise swirling around his contract status, to the confidence he gained from being one of Canada’s top performers at the 4 Nations in February:

The Maple Leafs postponed the celebration in Montreal by out-scratching and out-clawing in what was the club's most committed defensive effort of the season.