What we’re seeing early in the Toronto Maple Leafs–Montreal Canadiens series is the beginning of the type of tour de force playoff performance that defines the greats.
It’s something that feels even greater than an athlete rising to the occasion.
The player is the occasion.
Victor Hedman did it in the 2020 bubble (and, heck, he might do it again). Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have both done it. The 2018 edition of Alex Ovechkin is a prime example. So is the 2019 Ryan O’Reilly.
Suddenly and unfortunately the Maple Leafs top centre by about 34 miles, Auston Matthews made a statement Saturday by playing hockey like a controlled tornado.
“I think Auston was our best player,” Jason Spezza said.
Not only did Matthews factor in three of Toronto’s Game 2 goals, and not only has he scored all three of Toronto’s post-season game-winners in 2020 and 2021, but Matthews has generated 23 shot attempts through 120 minutes and constantly slanted the ice in the direction of Carey Price — one of his most frequent victims.
After his first Rocket Richard Trophy and a league-best 12 game-winners and 31 even-strength goals in the regular season, the production is to be expected at this point.
But it’s Matthews' selfless defensive commitment and physical imposition on the sport that has signalled a new stage in his ascent. In Games 1 and 2, Matthews has thrown nine hits, stolen six pucks, and has been a beast in the circle, swiping 58.7 per cent of his faceoffs.
“The best way to describe it is just very complete. Extremely competitive, physical on the puck, made plays, scored a huge goal for us, played with all sorts of authority, strong in the faceoff dot. There wasn't really anything that he didn't do extremely well,” coach Sheldon Keefe said postgame.
“No question that Auston was a real difference-maker.”
Whether it’s finishing checks in corners with all 220 pounds, bowling over Brendan Gallagher in open ice, or laughing off Ben Chiarot’s attempts at antagonism, Matthews’ aggression is now matching his frame.
“That's huge — anytime you have a superstar like that that's playing a full 200-foot game, that's playing physical,” Zach Bogosian said Sunday, before flying to Montreal for Game 3.
“He's proven that he is a clear goal-scorer and he's going to score huge goals for us. But just to see him physically engaged. He's a big dude that when he plays that intense, it kinda bleeds in into the group. You can see how hard he's competing, and it's a trickle-down effect. It's awesome to see.”
Added Alex Galchenyuk: “It definitely sets the tone for the team and brings a lot of energy and a lot of excitement.”
Matthews is drawing penalties and making Montreal pay for them, smiling all the while.
Absolutely, we may be flirting with hyperbole here.
Toronto has won a single game. The series is tied. There’s plenty of time for it all to unravel, as Leafs fans know. One man cannot win it all, as hockey fans know.
Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov, Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Vegas’s Marc-Andre Fleury, and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon are each off to dominant post-seasons in their respective series, too.
What separates Matthews’ man-on-a-mission approach, however, is that he is sparking a scrutinized franchise that hasn’t seen Round 2 since Anchorman was in theatres. (Ironic moustaches are so back, they may not even be ironic anymore.)
Further, the guy is 23 and hot off his best regular season.
Playoff superstar would be the natural evolution here, no?
In truth, Matthews showed signs of post-season stud as a rookie, when he scored four times against the Washington Capitals in 2017.
As disastrous as 2020’s return to play was for the Leafs, some might forget how little blame rested at Matthews’ boots.
Matthews was on the verge of a signature run in the bubble, leading the Maple Leafs in goals (two), points (six) and even-strength points (four) during their five-game ouster by Columbus. He scored the winner in both Toronto bubble victories and averaged a whopping 25 minutes of ice time.
A defensive stud, Matthews was the only plus player on the roster last summer. He also tied Zach Hyman for the team lead in hits (10) and topped everyone in takeaways (10) and offensive-zone faceoff percentage (57.1 per cent). He even rated second, to Alexander Kerfoot, among Leafs forwards in blocked shots (eight), despite not being used on the penalty kill.
Later, Matthews would credit the Blue Jackets series as the impetus for embracing the physical element of the game.
Auston Matthews is playing his best hockey, and it is coinciding with the most important time of the year.
“He’s not doing it for recognition or anything,” Keefe said. “He’s doing it because it’s what’s required to win.”
One-Timers:
With the Canadiens generating just three goals through two games, don’t be surprised to see 20-year-old phenom Cole Caufield make his playoff debut this week. “His shot’s as good as anyone’s,” Kulak said. ... Neither Carey Price nor Jack Campbell have played in both halves of a back-to-back all season. Campbell skipped Friday’s practice for maintenance. It will be fascinating if we see Frederik Andersen and/or Jake Allen start Game 4 Tuesday. ... Both teams skipped practise Sunday to rest up for the back-to-back. ... Joel Edmundson expects the series to only get more physical but believes the Habs must be smarter with stick penalties. The refs have warned both clubs about hooks and slashes but don’t mind seeing finished bodychecks. “In a playoff series, some games you’ll find the hate for the other team,” Edmundson said. “Last night was one of those games.” ... Shea Weber was fined $5,000 for cross-checking Wayne Simmonds in Game 2.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiaWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNwb3J0c25ldC5jYS9uaGwvYXJ0aWNsZS9tYXBsZS1sZWFmcy1tYXR0aGV3cy1zZWVtcy1oZWFkZWQtdG91ci1kZS1mb3JjZS1wbGF5b2ZmLXBlcmZvcm1hbmNlL9IBaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNwb3J0c25ldC5jYS9uaGwvbWFwbGUtbGVhZnMtbWF0dGhld3Mtc2VlbXMtaGVhZGVkLXRvdXItZGUtZm9yY2UtcGxheW9mZi1wZXJmb3JtYW5jZS9zbi1hbXAv?oc=5
2021-05-23 19:56:00Z
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