Streaking Mitchell Marner

"I don't really keep track of that stuff. I just try to go out and play the best I can. If the team wins and I don't get any points, that's fine." This was Darryl Sittler after he equaled the Maple Leaf record of points in 16 consecutive games on March 4, 1978. The mark was originally set by Babe Dye in 1921/22. Sittler would set the franchise record of 18 games straight a few days later. It was finally halted by Montreal on March 9 with the Canadiens checking line of Doug Jarvis, Bob Gainey and Rick Chartraw frustrated Sittler all evening. After the game Sittler stated, "I don't think it's so much putting Jarvis on me, but putting Gainey out to check my right winger. I might get the puck, but then I've got no one to pass to." During his 18 game streak, Sittler produced 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points and the team went 11-4-3. He'd end up with a career high 117 points and finish 3rd in Hart Trophy voting.
Just over a decade later, Eddie Olczyk equalled Sittler's mark of 18 straight games on January 18, 1990 with two assists against Washington. "It's a great honour," Olczyk said after the game. "I've been fortunate to play with two great guys - Gary Leeman and Mark Osborne. They're my bread and butter. There are personal records in this game but you don't get them without the effort from the rest of the team. I'd rather not even talk about my streak. No one player is better than the team." Olczyk's streak was stalled two days later at home versus the New York Islanders, "It wasn't meant to be. The puck just wasn't bouncing for me tonight," he said. Olczyk would collect 11 goals, 17 assists and 28 points during the streak during which the Leafs went 10-7-1. Olczyk ended the season with 88 points, good for third in Leafs scoring, seven points behind lineman Gary Leeman.

Marner currently sits at 17 consecutive games with a point, putting up 6 goals, 17 assists for 23 points. The team has gone 10-2-5 in the stretch. He will try to equal the team record against the pesky San Jose Sharks, and possibly set a new mark with tough road match in Tampa Bay. 




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