Auston Matthews reveals the key to his success this year
It should come as no surprise that Auston Matthews is having a fantastic 2023-24 season. After a 2022-23 season in which the former 2-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner scored an uncharacteristically low 40 goals, the 26-year-old has already scored 28 goals through the team's first 30 games this year and is riding a 7-game goal-streak, during which he has 12 goals.
Once again, Matthews' skills were on full display last night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring the game's opening goal and then adding a powerplay marker mid-way through the second period.
When asked by the media following the game what has led to his individual success, specifically the hot streak that he is currently on, Matthews just kept it plain and simple:
"I'm just trying to attack and shoot the puck and utilize my shot, try to get into open space, and just staying focused out there, taking it one shift at a time, not getting too carried away with results and just trying to get out there and focus on the process."
The chemistry between Matthews and running-mate Mitch Marner was on full display last night as well. Whether it's with Marner or William Nylander, Matthews has become exceedingly comfortable with either player and after almost a full decade together, they've broken it down to a simple science:
"Myself and him, myself and Will, we play together a lot over the years and I think we're all comfortable with each other. Nothing really changes obviously, you're gotta go put the effort before everything else and try to work off the puck with each other, move our feet, be responsible on both ends. If we do a better job in the defensive zone, have the puck more on offense, and just try to let the skill and effort take over."
Martin Jones has been a stabilizing force in goal for the Maple Leafs with Joseph Woll sidelined and Ilya Samsonov struggling. His performances haven't gone unnoticed and although Columbus is languishing near the bottom of the standings, Matthews was thankful for his calm demeanor in goal last night:
"He's a veteran guy and no stranger to situations like these. I think the games he's played in, he's played very well and he's just got a really calm presence about him in general. He settled in right away, made some big saves for us. I think it just allowed us to take a deep breath, I think we had a good start and a good process throughout the game but they're a good team over there, they got some skilled forwards and defense that can make plays and they're going to have their chances too and I thought he was really solid for us tonight."
Matthews will look to extend his goal streak to 8 games when the Leafs return from the break on the 27th of December for a home game against the Ottawa Senators.
Source: NHL.com
| POLL |
DECEMBRE 24 | 757 ANSWERS Auston Matthews reveals the key to his success this year Should Auston Matthews be the next captain of the Maple Leafs? |
| Yes, absolutely | 498 | 65.8 % |
| No, he's not captain material | 96 | 12.7 % |
| He should wear the A. Rielly should get the C | 163 | 21.5 % |
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