‘Fortunately, It Worked Out In My Favor’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Reflects On Lengthy Review, Controversial Short-Handed Goal Against Kings

The Toronto Maple Leafs got back in the win column in Los Angeles on Saturday, defeating the Kings 3-1. With the win, they moved from third to first in the Atlantic Division with 92 points.

This game had all the makings of a playoff-style battle, with both teams limiting time and space, making dangerous scoring opportunities hard to come by. The Kings, the NHL's best team on home ice this season, had registered a point in 15 straight home games and entered the night on a seven-game home winning streak. However, the Leafs ended that run on Saturday. 

After a scoreless first period, the Kings struck first in the second, carrying a 1-0 lead into the final frame. But the Leafs responded with three unanswered goals in the third, starting with a short-handed tally from Auston Matthews – a goal that nearly didn’t count.

Just a minute into the period, Matthews found himself on a shorthanded breakaway but was denied by Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Staying with the play, he retrieved his own rebound in the air before eventually scoring, which led to some controversy. The Kings challenged the goal for a high stick, but after a lengthy review, it was deemed a good goal.

“I don't know. I mean, I didn't even know what was going on, what the challenge was until they started telling me something about it,” said Matthews. “So, I mean, I don't know. I'm just kind of hoping for the best. So, fortunately, it worked out in my favor.”

“Well, I mean, it's close. It's close. Yeah, very close. I was 50-50,” added head coach Craig Berube post-game.

Regardless, Matthews’ persistence on the play paid off, burying his 29th goal of the season. The 27-year-old was all over the ice on Saturday, registering a goal, an assist, two blocks, and a team-high eight shots on goal in 22:07 of ice time. 

“Pretty incredible how he can play all facets of the ice and the game. Some of the moves that he was making out there tonight, sitting on the bench and just enjoying watching the show,” said defenseman Brandon Carlo. “But the way that he can go out there and continue to block shots, do things like that, get the puck 200 feet, to find all-around players like that are very special. And not many of them can do as much as he can on both sides of the ice.”

At times, Matthews has proved to be just as valuable defensively as he is offensively. With 29 goals, 39 assists, and 68 points on the season, Matthews is known for his goal-scoring prowess, but his ability to impact the game on the penalty kill is something his colleagues have taken notice of.

“He wins draws. He's got a great stick, blocks shots. I mean, he does all the things where you need to on the penalty kill,” said Berube. 

“You're not going to find more of a complete player in the game like Auston,” added teammate John Tavares. “We all know what a tremendous offensive player and goal scorer he is, but he makes plays all around the ice in his hockey sense and his ability to strip guys and replays and the way he uses his body. He's so good in so many different areas, so that's why he's a catalyst and a leader in every facet of the game for us.”

With the playoffs approaching, there has been some discussion about whether the Leafs should continue using Matthews and Mitch Marner on the penalty kill, given the potential injury risk. However, Saturday’s game was a prime example of the upside – Matthews’ short-handed goal was his second of the season.

The star forward is catching fire at the perfect time, racking up four points (2G, 2A) in his last two games and finding the back of the net in both California matchups. Over his last eight games, Matthews has been held off the scoresheet just once – March 20 against the New York Rangers – while collecting six goals, six assists, and 12 points during that stretch.

“I had a breakaway and tried to make a move. It didn't work out, and I just tried to stay on the puck. Caber made a really nice play to me. To have a little bit of time and space to try to get around a guy and just get a shot off and was able to sneak it by him,” Matthews said, explaining his goal. 

The margins continue to get tighter as the number of games dwindles. On Sunday, Matthews and the Leafs will have another test against the Anaheim Ducks in the second half of a back-to-back before returning to Toronto. 

“We're just focused on the next game that's in front of us and whatever's in front of us. Like you said, our division's really tight,” said Matthews. “The margins are extremely small, so we just have to make sure that every night we're coming ready to play because these points are very important."

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.