The numbers show that Auston Matthews is overdue for a massive offensive surge
With just 2 goals at 5-on-5 so far this season, Auston Matthews is struggling mightily to find the back of the net at even strength. While he may be struggling to find the back of the net at even strength, he is finding other ways to contribute both offensively and defensively. Currently, Matthews is converting on a career low 9.8% of his shots, but with his career shooting percentage slightly over 16%, he is bound for a jump in the near future.
So far this season, Matthews is shooting just 3.7% at 5-on-5, but when he is on the ice, the Leafs' team shooting percentage is 7.48%, considerably higher, and it shows the Leafs are converting at 5-on-5, even if the goals are not necessarily coming off of Matthews' stick. In contrast, William Nylander currently has a 5-on-5 shooting percentage of 7.09% with an on-ice shooting percentage of the same, considerably lower for the team compared to when Matthews is on the ice. Last season, the NHL's average shooting percentage per team was 9.8% and the Leafs shot 11% so it's not just Matthews and Nylander struggling. The team itself is converting on just 9.7% of their shots this season through 18 games in all situations.
For the lack of goal-scoring at 5-on-5, Matthews still has 8 goals on the season which is just two behind John Tavares and Nylander for the team lead. He is also on par with where he was at this point of the season last year, so 60 is still very much within reach. Matthews is due for a breakout and a lengthy scoring streak and at this point, it's a matter of when and not if.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 314 ANSWERS The numbers show that Auston Matthews is overdue for a massive offensive surge How many points will Matthews finish with this season when all is said and done? | ||
| 80-90 | 103 | 32.8 % |
| 91-100 | 136 | 43.3 % |
| 101-110 | 61 | 19.4 % |
| More than 110 | 14 | 4.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
