It took 46 seconds for Mitch Marner to silence his critics

Before starting with the Vegas Golden Knights this season, Mitch Marner heard it all. He was deemed toxic by some bitter fans back in Toronto, who didn't wish him well in his future endeavors. Some even mocked him for not having a goal before Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames.

It only took Marner 46 seconds for him to silence his critics with his first goal.

Like, is that even fair? He maneuvered through the Flames' defense like it was nothing and buried home a goal with ease. Looks like elite Mitch Marner is back in town, boys.

But if that wasn't enough, he scored a second goal with more pizzazz. Watch how he handled this filthy power play goal in the second period, booting out Dustin Wolf in the process.

Like, how does he do that? He fends off Kevin Bahl, pulls back the puck, and fires it past Wolf. It's mere magician's work from a star who has eight points (two goals and six assists) this season.

On top of that, he's flourishing with his new linemates, Tomas Hertl and Pavel Dorofeyev. Since he shifted over to his new buddies, he has two goals and four assists. It's almost like he has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove said critics wrong.

Saturday was the perfect game for Mitch Marner to break out for the Vegas Golden Knights

After a unhappy divorce during the summer, Mitch Marner was looking for a fresh start. He was tired of hearing about how he needed 1,000 more offensive zone face-offs to be like Nathan MacKinnon. Plus, it's never fun to be under a massive microscope by your critics. You feel like "Big Brother" is watching you at all times, except they love Tim Horton's.

Saturday was the perfect game for the Markham native to finally break through and end all speculation of failure. With a quick strike in the first period and a fancy goal in the next, he quickly turned to his haters and let out the biggest proclamation ever.

It wasn't just that he scored two goals, though. It was how he did it. Marner showcased his movements and puck-handling skills that left bitter Ontarians (not from Ottawa, of course) to lick their Timbit wounds. Maybe once you get a competitive team like the Golden Knights, the Panthers, or the Oilers, we can talk?

But in all seriousness, this was the game that Marner needed. Heck, the lineup shakeup was desperately needed. After a strong season opener, he faded in the next two games. Suddenly, fans were worried that he might be a fraud. All it took was Cassidy's patented shakeups to bring out the best in the winger.

Overall, Saturday's game was the dominant win that the Golden Knights were searching for, thanks to Marner

Despite their 3-0-2 record entering Saturday's game, the Vegas Golden Knights needed a statement win. A few strokes of bad luck and that 3-0-2 record could've easily been 2-3-0. Be sure to send your regards to the goaltender gods for the great luck.

All that happened with a resounding 6-1 win over the Flames. Three power play goals, a four-point performance from your Captain, and four Jack Eichel assists set the tone for an electric night. Throw in a solid Adin Hill performance and you have a recipe for the perfect confidence-builder.

But this wouldn't have been possible without Marner striking in the first 46 seconds. The former "Core Four" member silenced his haters in a big way, showing Golden Knights fans what the future could hold. All he needs now is to send Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to Toronto to tell them to "Shake It Off."