7. The Thornton – Marner – Matthews Connection
Remember at the start of the season where people started questioning ‘How long is this experiment going to last? Can’t be long right?’ Well with the results we’ve seen thus far, I think it’s here to stay.
Jumbo was unfortunately injured with a broken rib in just his 5th game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury would sideline Thornton for nearly a month before Thornton would return as good as ever.
In his first four games since back with the Toronto Maple Leafs Jumbo has had 6 points. He currently sits with 9 points in 9 games.
Now as far as chemistry among the line of Thornton-Matthews-Marner – well the proof is in the pudding. I’ll just let this Thronton scoring log speak for itself:
Every single one of Joe Thornton's Points this season (except 1) has involved at least one of Mitch Marner or Auston Matthews on the scoresheet. #LeafsForever
— Cart Loe (@CarterLoe) February 20, 2021
Courtesy: https://t.co/C5om5tIAsF pic.twitter.com/ZZ9m12O9bp
There’s proof on not only the scoresheet but also the ice. This clip from just Thursday night is just spectacular. It’s not that any of them are spectacular moves individually, but together what they made was a masterpiece of a play.
https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1362567427897384960
Each of Thornton, Matthews, and Marner read off each other perfectly and it ends up in the back of the net. This wasn’t the first time we saw a great passing play between the group of them, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
The Jumbo Experiment was successful and it’s one that is going to stay until something big halts it.