Matthews may not be 100 percent, but he's been playing like it lately.
Matthews may not be 100 percent, but he's been playing like it lately.
Is Auston Matthews back? It sure seems that way.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star forward scored twice to help the club snap a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
It's not just that he has scored some goals—the star player did that earlier in the season—but it's the way he's scoring them.
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With Toronto down 3-2 in the third period, the Leafs seemed like they may be destined to lose their fourth consecutive game, but Matthews took the game on his back and fired a wrist shot past Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom that only premium goal-scorers can make.
Matthews' celebration of the goal told the story. In his previous seasons where he led the league in goals, those types of plays were routine for Matthews. And while he had scored some goals at times, it's hard to argue he has scored any prettier this season than that one.
"He led the way," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Matthews." I thought that he was dialed in. He was working, shooting, attacking, doing a lot of good things, we need that from our leader."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW2n_oLttCg[/embed]
It's the game-breaking ability from Matthews that really has been missing. While the Maple Leafs have been focused on being a better defensive team. And while they have done that this season, it has come at the expense of some offense.
Not having Matthews available for two different stretches due to a lingering upper-body injury didn't help Toronto's cause.
Matthews has six goals in seven games since returning from his second stint on the injured reserve. Known for his lethal shot, impressive puck-handling skills and hockey IQ, Matthews has been a dominant force in the NHL since his debut in 2016. However, the 2024-25 season has seen a dip in his performance, raising some concern.
Several factors have led to Matthews's struggles this season.
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But if January is any indication, it looks like Matthews is back. Now he just needs to stay healthy.
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