Breaking: Matthews’ playoff scoring drought continues, MacKinnon and other headlines from the Stanley Cup playoffs
In a surprising trend, star players like Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon are outscoring their regular season goals per game average in the Stanley Cup playoffs, while Auston Matthews struggles to find the net. Matthews has only scored 2 goals in 9 playoff games this season, extending his postseason goal-scoring drought to 19 games. Meanwhile, MacKinnon, known more for his playmaking than scoring, is averaging a goal every 1.9 games in the playoffs, almost double his regular season average. Other playoff news includes Anthony Stolarz’s strong debut for the Maple Leafs, Mikko Rantanen’s impressive run with the Dallas Stars, and Paul Maurice’s strategic approach to coaching. In team news, the Blue Jays are feeling the pressure, while the Raptors’ former players are shining in the playoffs.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Stars’ Struggles Mirror Auston Matthews’ Postseason Woes
In a stark contrast to Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon’s playoff prowess, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews finds himself in familiar postseason struggles. While the likes of Draisaitl and MacKinnon are scoring at higher rates in the playoffs than their regular-season averages, Matthews’ numbers are a significant drop from his usual production.
Matthews’ Playoff Struggles: A Closer Look
Matthews has scored just two goals in nine playoff games this season, adding to his career postseason tally of just 10 goals in 34 games. His regular-season numbers, however, tell a different story— he’s averaged 52 goals per 82 games in his career. This juxtaposition paints a clear picture of Matthews’ playoff woes. Let’s dive into the specifics:
- Goal-scoring rate: In his last 19 playoff games, Matthews has three goals—a pace equivalent to a 13-goal season over an 82-game stretch. Meanwhile, his career average is 52 goals.
- Career playoff pace: Throughout his career, Matthews has scored at a 32-goal pace in the playoffs, a 20-goal drop from his regular-season production.
- This season’s drop-off: Matthews’ playoff goals-per-game this season is down even further, to a mere 0.22. In the regular season, he maintained a rate of 0.84 goals per game.
Did you know? Over the last three postseasons, Matthews has played in 24 overtime games—and has scored just once. His teams have won only 9 of those 24 overtime contests.
Why the Disparity? Expert Insights
So, what’s behind Matthews’ playoff struggles? There’s no single factor, but several potential reasons are worth exploring:
- Pressure and Expectations: As the face of the Maple Leafs, Matthews carries significant weight on his shoulders. The heightened pressure might affect his play.
- Physicality and Adversity: The playoffs bring a more physical, intense brand of hockey. Matthews, known for his skill, might need to adjust to succeed in these conditions.
- Role and Scheme: While Matthews is often the Leafs’ first-linecenter, his role and the team’s strategic approach in the playoffs might not be optimized for his skillset.
Pro Tip: It’s crucial to remember that while Matthews’ struggles are well-documented, they’re not exclusive to him. Many elite players have had challenging postseas Regelhof
Can Matthews Turn It Around?
With the Maple Leafs tied 2-2 in their first-round series against the Florida Panthers, every Leafs game now takes on a significant hue. So, can Matthews turn his fortunes around and help guide his team to playoff success?
History Suggests Opportunity
History isn’t always the best predictor of the future, but it does offer a glimmer of hope for Matthews:
- identified Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin—two of the NHL’s greatest scorers—also struggled in their playoff debuts but ultimately found success.
- Redemption Stories abound in the NHL. Just last postseason, Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand had a slow start before turning in a dominant playoff performance.
What Matthews Can Control
With his struggles well-known, Matthews can focus on specific aspects to improve his game:
- One-timers: Matthews has a lethal shot, especially off one-timers. By focusing on getting into better shooting lanes, he might create more scoring opportunities.
- Passing: Improving his vision and passing might not only help his scoring but also boost his teammates’ production.
- Mental Game: Working on his mental approach could help alleviate any external pressures and ensure he stays focused.
FAQs
- Why do some elite players struggle in the playoffs?
- Factors like pressure, physicality, role, and scheme changes can all contribute to playoff struggles.
- Can Auston Matthews turn his playoff fortunes around?
- While history offers no guarantees, there’s enough precedent in the NHL to suggest Matthews can find postseason success.
Call to Action
What do you think, hockey fans? Can Auston Matthews find his stride in the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to explore more of our Stanley Cup playoff coverage!