Must See: Babcock has surprising comments for Marner in Calgary

It’s no secret that Toronto Maple Leafs sophomore Mitch Marner is in the middle of a brutal sophomore slump. The 20-year-old Thornhill, Ont native has just two goals this season and can’t seem to buy a goal these days.

While he didn’t register on the scoresheet last night, Marner had several high quality chances on the evening, but was stonewalled by Calgary Flames netminder Mike Smith five times. Fans and media have piled on to Marner in the past week, peaking with yesterday’s column from TSN entitled, “There’s Cause for Concern with Marner.” Sensing that maybe his young star needed to hear some words of encouragement, Leafs head coach Mike Babcock was quick to praise Marner’s play last night, going so far as to call it his best game of the season. 

“I thought Mitchy was outstanding. I thought this might have been maybe this was his best game. He was flying out there,” said Babcock. He continued with, “I know everyone looks at the other stuff but for me it’s effort and consistency. If you work hard and generate chances it’s going to happen for him., he’s too talented not for him. So it was a good night for him.”

For the full post-game media interview, check out the video below: