Red-hot Marner: Timing of All-Star break 'unfortunate'

Extended time off is the last thing red-hot Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner wants right now.

He's fresh off a four-point showing versus the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night and is riding a career-best seven-game goal streak, but he won't return to the ice until Feb. 7 due to the All-Star break.

"Obviously, (the timing) is a little unfortunate with the heater our line is on," Marner told reporters on Wednesday, per TSN.

Marner played only one game in December due to injury, then missed three more in January due to COVID-19 protocol. Since returning to the lineup on Jan. 15, he's recorded eight goals and eight assists while helping the Leafs to a 6-1 record.

Linemate and reigning "Rocket" Richard winner Auston Matthews gave Marner some credit for his recent goal-scoring prowess.

"He's so deceptive, so when he's got the puck, I think a lot of people anticipate him passing it sometimes," Matthews said. "You've seen it the last couple games, him being able to beat the goaltender clean."

Matthews added: "He's got a great shot. Might need to get a little more juice on it, but he's definitely really accurate."

Marner is up to 14 goals on the season and is on pace for a career-high 30 tallies.

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