Critics from various quarters dissected every facet of his game, painting a grim picture of his contributions.
Former NHL goaltender Kelly Hrudey was particularly harsh, accusing Marner of throwing a child-like tantrum during the game. The critique escalated when Paul "Biznasty" Bissonnette, a former NHL player and fervent Maple Leafs supporter, joined the fray during a TNT broadcast panel. Bissonnette didn't hold back, labeling Marner's performance as "pathetic" and questioning his competitiveness throughout the series. He criticized Marner for not engaging physically, lacking effort in puck battles, and appearing disengaged by frequently looking to referees after plays.
Bissonnette's comments intensified as he scrutinized Marner's inability to play effectively, suggesting that his performance was so lacking that he did not deserve his ice time. He proposed that the team should bench Marner to set an example, highlighting the severity of his disapproval. This strong critique from a panelist and former player underscored a rough day for Marner, as his performance drew significant and widespread negative attention.
He did, however, score the Maple Leafs' only goal in Game 4
Source - HockeyFeed:
Bissonnette calls out «pathetic» Marner
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