The Toronto Maple Leafs took a 2-0 lead over the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night with a 4-3 victory. Mitch Marner played his part, scoring a goal in the win.

Following the contest, Marner revealed a new tactic he's been using in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to motivate him: sticking the letter “M” on his stick to remind him of his newborn son, Miles.

Via Chris Johnston:

“Mitch Marner says he's started writing “M” on his stick tape to remind him of his newborn son, Miles, and give him something to focus on while steadying himself between shifts.”

“I'm trying to play for him,” Marner said.

Some things are bigger than hockey, and that's one of them. Marner is finding motivation from his child, and that's powerful. The superstar is contributing at a high level in these playoffs, tallying 10 points in just eight games. He has two goals and eight helpers.

Marner's only shot on goal went in on Wednesday, and he played a ton with 22:43 of ice time. The Maple Leafs standout is a huge piece of this squad as they look to make a Stanley Cup run. Getting past the Panthers is certainly the most difficult task in the East.

Article Continues Below
More Maple Leafs News
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) looks up at the scoreboard as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) skates to the bench during the third period of game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena.
NHL rumors: Mitch Marner considering 2 year contractColin Gallant ·
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) celebrates with forwards Auston Matthews (34) and Matthew Knies (23) after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators in the first period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.
Leafs rumors: Toronto ‘engaged’ in Matthew Knies, John Tavares negotiationsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Nicholas Robertson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the outsides. Mystery player in the middle. Maple Leafs logo background.
3 players Maple Leafs must trade in 2025 NHL offseasonBryan Logan ·
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) looks up at the scoreboard as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) skates to the bench during the third period of game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena
Maple Leafs rumors: Mitch Marner not expected to return to Toronto in free agencyQuinn Allen ·
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game six of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena.
Maple Leafs rumors: Insider calls out John Tavares ‘stretch’ in contract talksChristopher Hennessy ·
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates scoring against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.
NHL rumors: Pierre LeBrun makes Maple Leafs prediction for Brad MarchandChristopher Hennessy ·

That being said, the Maple Leafs also cannot take their foot off the gas pedal because Florida is more than capable of turning around this 0-2 hole, especially at home where they flourish.

Marner had his child last Sunday. He said he would've gone and joined his wife if the baby had come during the Ottawa Senators series, but Marner hilariously claimed his son knew to be born on a non-hockey day:

“We were prepared if something did happen (while I was) in Ottawa that there was a way for me to get to Toronto quickly,” Marner said. “Family always comes first. So if something happened during that series or during a hockey game with my wife going into labour, I was going to go and join her and be her cheerleader. Luckily enough, it didn’t happen.

“My son was smart enough to know that you don’t come on a hockey day.”

Marner and the Maple Leafs face the Panthers in Game 3 on Friday.