NHL analyst makes his thoughts on brewing 'chemistry' between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner extremely clear

While Auston Matthews was out, Mitch Marner stepped up offensively to help carry the load. Now that they're both in the lineup, their budding chemistry and exceptional play has the Toronto Maple Leafs rolling. One hockey insider believes this bodes well for their chances this year.

TSN analyst Darren Dreger said on First Up on Friday (2:00):

"As was exhibited the other night in the third period, those two guys who just flat out make magic together, Matthews and Marner."

Dreger said there's a story from training camp that helps detail their relationship. According to the insider, they went to head coach Craig Berube and said that coaches have historically kept them apart during the preseason and then put them together later to see the offense take off.

The NHL insider continued:

"That didn't happen this year. And then you had the Matthews injury, which was extended, and Marner had terrific chemistry with John Tavares, so it's far from a problem. It just speaks to, again, the connection between Matthews and Mitch Marner."

Dreger believes other teams around the NHL are seeing what those two players have done together and have taken note of how well they're playing. The duo have the Maple Leafs in first place in Atlantic Division with a 16-7-2 record.

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Auston Matthews earns praise from his head coach

Auston Matthews' return to the lineup was not without criticism from his new head coach. Craig Berube, earlier in the week, had been critical of his captain's play. That criticism was nowhere to be found after a two-goal performance and a win over the Nashville Predators.

Auston Matthews earned some Craig Berube praise (Imagn)

Berube said, via Maple Leafs Daily:

"I thought tonight was his best game. I know he scored, but to me, he had his legs more tonight. He had his legs better and skated better and capitalized on the opportunities he got which is important, that's what he does. But overall, it's coming. It's coming."

It was Toronto's third straight win. With Matthews back, the team has kept the hot streak going and are leading the Atlantic Division. Next up is a Friday matchup with the daunting Washington Capitals, a team that is 17-6-2 so far this year.