Marner: Matching Leafs' point-streak record was a 'special moment'

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner made sure to soak in the moment as he made team history Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks.

Marner matched the franchise point record in his 18th consecutive game when his empty-net goal tied Darryl Sittler and Ed Olcyzk atop the list, leading to a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd.

"That was really special," Marner said, according to Sports Illustrated's Mike Stephens. "That meant a lot ... It's a special moment to have grown up in this city and have my name next to those guys."

Marner's moment didn't come without obstacles. While up a goal in the dying minutes, he had a pass to Michael Bunting intercepted and then missed his first look at the yawning cage before finally converting with 1:11 left on the clock.

"I'm just so happy he got it," Matthews said, according to Stephens. "It was looking a little sticky there."

Matthews also admitted he chirped Marner for passing up his first opportunity at the empty net.

"What are you doing? Just put it in the net and head home," he quipped, according to Stephens.

Marner's current run began Oct. 27 in San Jose. He's collected seven goals and 17 assists during the streak and is now up to 29 points on the season - tied for the seventh-highest total in the league.

The 25-year-old's chance to stand alone in Toronto's history books comes Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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