issue thirty-seven
so don't let it go, we can make some more / we can live forever
It’s weird to think about history, and the fact we’re living through it.
No this isn’t about anything important happening globally or politically, it’s about Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
By scoring (twice!) in Saturday’s overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Marner set the record for the longest point streak in Maple Leafs’ history at 19 consecutive games. And it’s weird. It’s weird in the same way it was weird to watch Auston Matthews’ debut as a Leaf, where he scored 4 goals, becoming the first Leaf in the modern era to do so in their first NHL game. It’s weird to think that future generations will think back on these players as legends, the way I heard about Sittler, Clark, Salming, and Sundin; that these players will become trivia answers, be cemented in hockey history through NHL countdowns, and maybe even have their numbers retired to the rafters one day.
I think it’s especially weird – and somehow feels more personal – because it's Mitch Marner.
Anyone who knows me or has had the unfortunate experience of being near me during a Leafs’ game knows that Marner is my favourite player. I’m not sure I can explain why I made that first connection – perhaps his speed, his obvious expert understanding of the game, his exceptional playmaking, or maybe even his goofy face – but once that connection was made, it was ironclad. I wasn’t as locked into hockey as I had been in the previous years, but I remember watching him at the world juniors as he dominated the score sheet. I saw the highlights from his rookie year and just had that feeling you get as a sports fan – this kid is going to be special.
As someone who’s often felt the need to defend their belonging in hockey, it’s fitting that I would pick one of the most divisive players in recent Leafs’ history. I don’t need to get into the contract negotiations, too many words have already been written on that. But here’s the thing with Mitch Marner: he makes me want to root for him. He’s a lifelong Leafs fan, growing up cheering for guys like Sundin and Gilmour. He’s fun to watch. Not to play into the intangibles of it all, but you can tell he cares. He cares about the team, he cares about his teammates, and cares about the fans. Even when they don’t necessarily care about him. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen fans complain about Marner, I’d have enough to match his contract. And yeah, I get that his contract is less than ideal, but what are you going to do about it? Trade one of the best wingers in the league? Grow up.
And maybe that’s part of the reason I enjoy Marner so much as a player. He has the skills for sure, but he also has the narrative. The overbearing hockey dad who’s stolen the spotlight more than once, the psychologically abusive former coach, the losses and lack of playoff scoring. The weight of the world, and the dreams of Leafs nation, on the shoulders of a couple of rookies. It’s silly to say that a white, upper class hockey player faces any real type of adversity, but this is sports, and we say ridiculous things. From demanding a trade, to chanting his name – Marner has climbed the mountain and finally won over the jaded fanbase. For now, at least, it is a long season.
As of writing, Marner sits with a point streak of 21 consecutive games. The only other active players with longer point streaks are Patrick Kane (26) and Sidney Crosby (25) and I mean, I say he does it. He’s cemented himself in the history books and as weird as it feels, it also feels pretty damn good.
What I’m Listening To:
Pop Chat: The last Pop Chat + the best of 2022
One of my beloved podcasts is ending and I’m very sad about it. I feel like this episode is a perfect ending for Pop Chat however as it allows them to do what they do best, discuss pop culture from the perspective that it matters – because it does! If you are a loyal reader of this newsletter, you know my opinions on pop culture and how seriously I take these conversations. This seriousness can be seen in the Pop Chat ponders if musicians even can be canceled and discusses their personal relationship with artists such as David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Ye, and R Kelly’s Ignition. How do we separate our personal feelings and emotions from the actions of musicians we don’t support or endorse?
I feel like I could spend hours singing the praises of Pop Pantheon. DJ Louie is such a phenomenal host and his understanding of pop music and the conversations he has with his guests have made me a better pop fan. The imperial phase is such an interesting concept to consider, especially as we have moved into the digital age and away from the monoculture.
Required reading: Tom Ewing’s initial piece on the topic Imperial
What I’m Watching:
Articles:
A Christmas query: Why is Notre Dame playing USC in ‘Die Hard?’
The story behind the iconic Vietnam episode of 'Hey Arnold!'
The Year in Stupid Tattoos I’m Sure I Won’t Regret
Internet Shit:
This tumblr post really summed up a lot of thoughts I’ve had bouncing around my head for a while, especially when considering the online queer community of twitter and tiktok. Learn your history, respect your history, and respect your queer elders. Make sure to click the image for the full post.
Till next time!
xoxo, Liz
sweet sweet Marner. totally agree with everything here!!! great piece as per usual