Just how good has Auston Matthews been this season?
Seeming like a distant memory, the Toronto Maple Leafs started the season 2-4-2. Similarly, Auston Matthews did not start the year on time either. Matthews was out with a wrist injury that sidelined him during the pre-season and through the first three games of the regular season. It also appeared to take Matthews a few games to find his stride.
In Matthews' first 17 games, he scored seven goals and 15 points. Respectable, but certainly not Hart Trophy worthy. However, since a 6 -2 Leafs win in Los Angeles on November 24, Auston Matthews has been one of the most productive players in the NHL.
In the 43 games Matthews has played since November 24th, he has scored 41 goals, which leads the league during that stretch. For reference, second is Filip Forsberg with 33 goals in 44 games during that same time frame. Matthews also leads the league in even strength goals (32) and even strength points (52) since November 24.
Additionally, Matthews' 68 points since November 24th are second to only Florida Panther star winger Jonathan Huberdeau, who has 72 points. However, Matthews is tied for first (with teammate Mitch Marner) in points per game with 1.58. For reference, Huberdeau is third in that same category with 1.53 points per game.
It is clear why Auston Matthews has entered the Hart Trophy conversation. In the last four months, he has nearly averaged a goal a game and has dominated the league offensively. Often the expression "it feels like he scores every night" is figurative. But in Matthews case, it is nearly literal. His pace since November 24 if continued in a full 82-game schedule would put him at 78 goals.
With so many potential candidates still in the running, it is likely the Hart Trophy winner will be determined in April. But it is more likely that Matthews season will be remembered for how he performs in May and June.
Source: NHL.com
| POLL | ||
MARS 29 | 316 ANSWERS Just how good has Auston Matthews been this season? Who deserves to win the Hart Trophy? | ||
| Auston Matthews | 219 | 69.3 % |
| Connor McDavid | 21 | 6.6 % |
| Igor Shesterkin | 54 | 17.1 % |
| Jonathan Huberdeau | 22 | 7 % |
| List of polls | ||
