Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has been playing like he left his mojo in the regular season. And that’s not good when the playoffs are screaming in your face. Two ugly losses to the Ottawa Senators had fans nervous, media buzzing, and one man in particular deciding it was time for some tough love.
Enter Paul Bissonnette.
Known for his unfiltered takes and diehard love for the Leafs, “BizNasty” hasn’t always been on Marner’s side. In fact, he’s been one of his loudest critics in the past. Then again, he did tip Marner for the Hart and Art Ross earlier this year.
And after watching Mitch flop around and pout on the bench during Game 5, Biz couldn’t take it anymore.
“Marner gets bumped by Ullmark and he goes down and then he’s crying on the bench,” Bissonnette snapped.
“Understand what’s happening right now. We’re well aware that Stolarz got away with the chop in Game 1 and then Ullmark gives you a love tap and you’re going to spend your energy complaining to the referee?
Buddy, just dig in. Shut the f* up and dig in. Just dig in.**”
Now that’s how you deliver a playoff pep talk. Forget whiteboards and video sessions—just give Bissonnette a mic and let him rant.
Marner’s Moment (Maybe?)
To be fair, Biz had a point. Leafs fans have been begging for Marner to shake off the playoff yips. When things get tight, he tends to fade into the wallpaper. And with Game 6 in the balance, everyone was wondering: will Mitch show up?
So far, things are looking better. The Leafs were up 2–1 when last checked, smothering the Senators like gravy on poutine. And while Marner hasn’t scored (yet), he hasn’t been crying on the bench either—progress!
Let’s be real though: the Leafs don’t need “invisible mode” Marner. They need “regular season wizard” Marner. The guy who pulls off no-look passes, glides through defenders like a video game glitch and makes fans believe again.
If the Leafs close this one out, they’re heading into the firestorm known as the Florida Panthers. It’s not exactly a vacation. The Panthers just destroyed Tampa Bay and look like a team that wants blood, not palm trees.
A Game 6 win would be huge. A Mitch Marner goal in that win? Even better. Because if this series goes to Game 7, Toronto’s anxiety levels might finally outpace housing prices.
Also Read: Why Anthony Stolarz was always the answer as Leafs ride his Goaltending into Game 6
And in the meantime, if Mitch needs a little more motivation, just play him that Bissonnette quote on repeat.
“Shut the f* up and dig in.”**
Honestly? That could be the Leafs’ entire playoff slogan.