Breaking: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving heaping praise on Auston Matthews ahead of playoffs, emphasizing his two-way game and leadership despite goal-scoring dip. Despite a modest drop in goals, Toronto is bullish on their star center’s playoff potential, with Coach Sheldon Keefe emphasizing Matthews’ healthy status and confidence.
He’s Back: Auston Matthews Ready to Deliver in the Playoffs, Says Treliving
Toronto Maple Leafs, the team carrying immense playoff hopes, has its ace back in the crease. Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ captain, has shaken off his injury woes and is poised to lead his team deep into the postseason, according to GM Brad Treliving.
Treliving’s Praise Pours In
Treliving, who joined the Leafs this season, has been impressed with Matthews’ overall game, despite a dip in his goal-scoring. In a recent interview with Maple Leafs Hotstove, Treliving lauded Matthews’ two-way play and leadership, stating, "His goal-scoring may be down, but I think his overall game is as good as I’ve ever seen it."
This sentiment is echoed by Yahoo Sports, with their coverage commending Matthews’ ‘complete game’ and ‘resiliency’ heading into the playoffs. Treliving’s praise comes off the back of a season where Matthews missed significant time due to injuries, but still managed to tally 43 points in 50 games.
The Healthy Matthews Factor
TSN’s Mark Masters delves into how a healthy Matthews can be a game-breaker for the Leafs. Matthews’Physical presence, relentless work ethic, and offensive prowess make him a formidable force, especially in high-stakes games. Despite his injury-plagued season, Matthews still managed to light the lamp an impressive 25 times, a feat that could be surpassed in the playoffs if he remains healthy.
The Intriguing Question: Will Auston Deliver?
Despite Matthews’ stellar resume and Treliving’s confidence, whispers about his playoff performance linger. The Daily Faceoff asks, will the ‘real’ Auston Matthews show up in the playoffs? While Matthews has excelled in the regular season, his playoff point totals (19 points in 24 games) don’t quite match his regular-season output. Nevertheless, Matthews remains optimistic, telling Toronto Sun, "There’s a lot of confidence in this room."
Did You Know?
- Auston Matthews is the Leafs’ all-time leader in goals (298) and points (453) in just 471 games.
- He’s been the recipient of the Rocket Richard Trophy (nhl.com) for the league’s leading goal scorer (2019-2021).
- Matthews’ adjusted goals per 60 minutes (xG/60) stands at 1.26 (NaturalStatTrick), indicating strong goal-scoring efficiency.
Pro Tips: Auston Matthews’ Playoff Recipe
- Consistency is Key: Maintain a steady diet of shots on goal.
- Power Play Prowess: Utilize Matthews’ lethal shot on man advantages.
- Back_Check magic: Matthews’ defense and penalty-killing can tilt the ice in the Leafs’ favor.
FAQs
-
Q: Why hasn’t Matthews cracked 30 goals this season?
- A: Injuries played a significant role. Matthews missed 20 games this season.
-
Q: What’s Matthews’ career playoff point total?
- A: 19 points in 24 games (0.80 points per game).
- Q: Why is Matthews so dangerous in the playoffs?
- A: His work ethic, tenacity, and ability to raise his game in big moments make him a playoff threat.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs approach, all eyes are on Matthews. Can he translate his regular-season brilliance into postseason success? With Treliving’s endorsement and Matthews’ confident demeanor, the signs point to yes. The hockey world awaits as Auston Matthews aims to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs on a deep playoff run.
Join the Conversation
What do you think? Will Auston Matthews shine in the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and explore more 247Sports content to stay updated on all the latest sports news and analysis.