‘Stick With It For A Bit And See How It Goes’: Why Maple Leafs Opt To Keep Auston Matthews And Mitch Marner Together, Shift Fraser Minten Back To Third Line Ahead Of Visit From Capitals
When Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were reunited late in the second period against Nashville on Wednesday, it didn’t take long for their chemistry to ignite the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offense.
Heading into the third period trailing by a goal, the duo combined for two goals in the first 2:30 of the frame, with Marner assisting on both. By the time the game concluded, Marner had three assists, Matthews had two goals, and the Leafs had scored three times in just over five minutes en route to a 3-2 victory over the Predators.
That kind of efficiency is why head coach Craig Berube is choosing to keep the two stars together heading into Friday’s matchup against the Washington Capitals. Despite experimenting with other combinations throughout the season, Berube sees the benefit of leaning into the chemistry between his top players at the moment.
“I mean, you change things up in the game sometimes and it works,” Berube said after practice on Friday. “So, yeah, you stick with it for a bit and see how it goes.”
The synergy between the two, which has been in full effect since they entered the league and were brought together on a line, isn’t a revelation to their teammates. Defenseman Morgan Rielly noted that it’s not uncommon for Matthews and Marner to pick up right where they left off.
“I think they just ended up on the ice together or on a line together and obviously just kind of picked up where they left off. That seems to be the way it works with them,” said Rielly.
“I think just the way they both think the game, their skill sets and the experience that they've had playing together for however long now. And they just have a feel for each other. And when you combine that with what I said, their skill set and their IQ, good things tend to happen,” he added.
Matthew Knies, who’s been a prominent figure on the top line with Matthews and is competing in his second full season, says it’s “no surprise” the chemistry and bond between the two when they are reunited.
“I think they kind of took off where they left off. And yeah, it's no surprise for me,” said Knies. “I've seen it before. I saw it all last year. I think they just have good chemistry on and off the ice. And, I think it gels well. And, they both can kind of drive the play. I think they can both lead the team.”
For Matthews and Marner, their reunion is about more than just points – it’s a reminder of how effective they can be when working together – something that Berube and the Leafs have in their back pocket.
Fraser Minten Shifts Back to the Third Line
Another mid-game shuffle came with 20-year-old Fraser Minten, who was rewarded with a boost in the lineup on Wednesday. Originally in the third-line center role, where he had been paired with Nick Robertson and Steven Lorentz, Minten was shifted up to the second line on the wing of John Tavares and William Nylander.
The forward helped lead the charge with five shots, seven hits, and 13:23 of ice time. It was the third straight game Minten led all Leafs forwards in hits before topping the team overall in physicality against the Predators as he recorded seven hits.
Although there was a temptation to keep the young forward on the second line after showing promise in an elevated role, Berube explained that his skill set as a natural center makes him a better fit in the middle of the ice.
“There is (the temptation to keep him there), but I do like him in the middle of the ice and I feel like having him down there, in that spot, in his position where he's a solid defender down low and things like that as a centerman. So, it makes that line stronger in my opinion,” said Berube.
Through six games with the Leafs, the 2022 second-round pick (38th overall) has two goals, two assists, and four points. He has continued to impress and has made a strong case to stay at the NHL level with other forwards set to return from injury soon.
Regardless, Minten’s return to the third line strengthens Toronto’s depth, an important factor as the team continues to get back to full strength and looks to maintain its momentum, securing its fourth consecutive victory against Washington on Friday night.
