Best Leafs goals of 2024-25: Mitch Marner’s walkoff vs. Oilers stands as one of his finest moments

Mitch Marner’s final season with the Toronto Maple Leafs is a weighted, contentious topic across Ontario but the 28-year-old put together some terrific moments during an 102-point campaign. Squaring off against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in mid-November, Marner submitted arguably his best game of the season with a walkoff goal that stands among his best of his career. Taylor Swift was in town, playing down the street, but Marner put on a performance to be remembered.

Marner manned the first line with John Tavares and Bobby McMann, as a wave of injuries depleted Toronto’s forward depth throughout late November, into December. They were tasked with mitigating McDavid’s chances and met the goal, while McMann notched two goals of his own, it was Marner who stole the show at the end.

McDavid and Leon Draisaitl broke free for a 2-on-1 with Marner as the last man back in overtime. Draisaitl carried the puck up the ice and tried to a flick pass over to McDavid, but Marner made a timely interception and took off.

Marner raced up the ice while John Tavares was wide-open on a 2-on-1, with McDavid and Draisaitl clearly out of gas. Evan Bouchard tried to block Marner’s shooting lane, but his attempt was too late as Marner wired it off the rush for a game-winning goal that electrified the Scotiabank Arena. It may have marked one of the final moments where Leafs Nation could unanimously enjoy Marner’s all-world talents, in one of the most entertaining games of the year.

MITCH MARNER 🚨

GAME OVER! THE LEAFS WIN! pic.twitter.com/wAeaRmimXu

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 17, 2024

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Mitch Marner looks off John Tavares and wins it in overtime for the Leafs, incredible game. Marner-Tavares line had primary assignment on McDavid line and won the matchup outright.

— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) November 17, 2024

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This is what I wrote about Marner’s performance:

Marner and Tavares are the primary reasons why the Maple Leafs are 5-1 in Auston Matthews’ six-game injury-related absence, and McMann continues to raise his ceiling when paired with linemates who can actualize his pace and opportunism. It was a terrific performance overall, against the most challenging line in the NHL.

Marner was awarded the team belt, given to the Leafs’ best or most impactful player in a winning effort, posing happily alongside Tavares and Steven Lorentz.

In this moment now, capture it, remember it pic.twitter.com/091dkipRg3

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 17, 2024

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Leafs Nation will surely miss Marner during the regular season, and it’s moments like his overtime winner against the Oilers that showcase all of his talent which is very difficult to replicate.

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