Player Discussion Auston Matthews (Captain Edition)

[Stephen]

That three on two where Marner dropped it back to him and he wristed it from the top of the slot, there was so much daylight above Bob's glove. Matthews of last year would have torqued that puck so hard it would have gone through the net. He'd have bent the crossbar on his one timer from the slot. I just rolled my eyes when he missed the empty netter.

It's always better to be getting chances than to not be getting chances. He played a good hockey game last night, but it's so frustrating that his literal best tool, the thing that made him a Hart trophy winner, has completely vanished. We're all hoping that when the season is done they tell us why he now shoots like Max Domi. I'll take this version of Matthews over Game 5 against the Sens or Game 7 of (pick a year) any day, but we still need to see a lot more from our captain and main man.

The good news, and what I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for, is that something clicks into place. That he got two good chances from the slot are positive, but why is he not setting up for one timer slapshots on the PP any more? Why is it that his wrist is sorta cooked, but not so cooked that he can still rip sorta mediocre one timers? Whatever it is, if he can figure out how to score again then we are going to be very, very hard to deal with.

My feeling is Matthews is not going “click” this year or whatever the timeline is. It just won’t be as easy as the health and confidence and whatever all comes roaring back. More like little drips and stops and starts and just hope you get enough at the right times to make a difference.

 

[sunstersun]

My feeling is Matthews is not going “click” this year or whatever the timeline is. It just won’t be as easy as the health and confidence and whatever all comes roaring back. More like little drips and stops and starts and just hope you get enough at the right times to make a difference.

He's been snake bitten since the four seasons. I just don't see it. I can't even remember the last time I saw Matthews do his patented drag wrister. It used to be a common occurrence.

 

[Stephen]

He's been snake bitten since the four seasons. I just don't see it. I can't even remember the last time I saw Matthews do his patented drag wrister. It used to be a common occurrence.

He hasn’t really been this normal level and play style for any period of time since the 2023-24 regular season ended.

 

[sunstersun]

He hasn’t really been this normal level and play style for any period of time since the 2023-24 regular season ended.

He was elite for one game against Boston. Probably the best game I've seen him play.

Then like a mirage it was gone.

Here's the thing, we know every player gets injured, maybe Matthews more seriously, maybe less. Is his playstyle more prone to injury decline than other players? I think it is because he really is speced entirely into his overwhelming elite shot that's completely disappeared with injury.

I think Nylander is nursing something. His speed is meh. However even if he's injured, his shot isn't reliant on insane hands like Matthews is. He has game breaking passing ability.

I can't trust Matthews as a player anymore. It's not a bug it's a feature. I'm really sad to think it's play style, not injury imo.

 

[LeafGrief]

My feeling is Matthews is not going “click” this year or whatever the timeline is. It just won’t be as easy as the health and confidence and whatever all comes roaring back. More like little drips and stops and starts and just hope you get enough at the right times to make a difference.

I agree, I'm just posting copium. I suspect that it's a health thing and that's going to be the drips and flashes that we hope are enough.

But like all goal scorers, when confidence comes back it usually comes back in a rush. When Marner or Nylander go on one of their slides, all it ever takes is a good game or two and suddenly they're back to their game-breaking ways. If he strings two games together with a classic Matthews laser beam from the slot, watch out. It's the possibility of injury that might make this out of the question.

 

[authentic]

I agree, I'm just posting copium. I suspect that it's a health thing and that's going to be the drips and flashes that we hope are enough.

But like all goal scorers, when confidence comes back it usually comes back in a rush. When Marner or Nylander go on one of their slides, all it ever takes is a good game or two and suddenly they're back to their game-breaking ways. If he strings two games together with a classic Matthews laser beam from the slot, watch out. It's the possibility of injury that might make this out of the question.

I somehow don’t believe we’ll be seeing that shot these playoffs. At least he is very good defensively, which this board does not appreciate enough.

 

[sunstersun]

I somehow don’t believe we’ll be seeing that shot these playoffs. At least he is very good defensively, which this board does not appreciate enough.

Any talk about defence just highlights how far our rocket/hart winner has fallen.

 

[Stephen]

He was elite for one game against Boston. Probably the best game I've seen him play.

Then like a mirage it was gone.

Here's the thing, we know every player gets injured, maybe Matthews more seriously, maybe less. Is his playstyle more prone to injury decline than other players? I think it is because he really is speced entirely into his overwhelming elite shot that's completely disappeared with injury.

I think Nylander is nursing something. His speed is meh. However even if he's injured, his shot isn't reliant on insane hands like Matthews is. He has game breaking passing ability.

I can't trust Matthews as a player anymore. It's not a bug it's a feature. I'm really sad to think it's play style, not injury imo.

Looks like a mentality problem to me. He can’t access the highest gears and compete level on a regular basis and requires external linemates to help access different aspects of his game.

 

[Beaumaris]

He just can't take over a game anymore. We have to accept that we have the league's highest-paid defensive player now. LOL

Did he ever take over a game on a regular basis ?

 

[authentic]

Any talk about defence just highlights how far our rocket/hart winner has fallen.

Yeah but it’s a nice luxury to have one of the few actual great defensive star forwards. Could you imagine if he was crap defensively with these reoccurring injuries?

 

[fbuford]

I somehow don’t believe we’ll be seeing that shot these playoffs. At least he is very good defensively, which this board does not appreciate enough.

He's the highest paid player in the league.

He doesn't get paid 13.5$ million to play defense.

 

[authentic]

He's the highest paid player in the league.

He doesn't get paid 13.5$ million to not create any offense.

Tell that to his wrist though, I’m sure he doesn’t choose to have this constant lingering injury for fun

 

[TheTotalPackage]

Can't even score on an empty net right now...

Something has definitely seemed off with him for a good part of this season.

But my goodness, the fact he was nowhere close on that empty net really piqued my eyes. Couldn't help but think after seeing that that something of his is severely mangled.

 

[sunstersun]

Looks like a mentality problem to me. He can’t access the highest gears and compete level on a regular basis and requires external linemates to help access different aspects of his game.

I think mental is a problem yes, but I don't think he has elite tools in the postseason even outside of injury.

He's an average skater. A below average user of the body(probably the biggest reason for his lack of success as a postseason player), a slightly above average passer, and entirely reliant on his injury prone shot.

Furthermore, he doesn't have a signature spot that's spammable like Drai or Ovi. The lack of a consistent one timer on the powerplay is a disaster in the postseason.

Drai was literally on one foot for his playoff runs. Yet he put up insane numbers. If Matthews is this injury prone, then he needs to be better while injured. He cannot. Furthermore, even when he's healthy, I haven't seen ANYTHING that's take over the game elite like Nylander, even the Boston game 2, it wasn't Nylander's solo effort domination. Was he healthy against the Habs? CBJ? Against Tampa ? I don't think his game 6 or 7 was acceptable in 2021-2022 Tampa.

He's the highest paid player in the league.

He doesn't get paid 13.5$ million to play defense.

Holmberg should be paid 8mil at this rate. He's our best defensive player this playoff run by far.

 

[Stephen]

I think mental is a problem yes, but I don't think he has elite tools in the postseason even outside of injury.

He's an average skater. A below average user of the body(probably the biggest reason for his lack of success as a postseason player), a slightly above average passer, and entirely reliant on his injury prone shot.

Furthermore, he doesn't have a signature spot that's spammable like Drai or Ovi. The lack of a consistent one timer on the powerplay is a disaster in the postseason.

Drai was literally on one foot for his playoff runs. Yet he put up insane numbers. If Matthews is this injury prone, then he needs to be better while injured. He cannot. Furthermore, even when he's healthy, I haven't seen ANYTHING that's take over the game elite like Nylander, even the Boston game 2, it wasn't Nylander's solo effort domination. Was he healthy against the Habs? CBJ? Against Tampa ? I don't think his game 6 or 7 was acceptable in 2021-2022 Tampa.

Holmberg should be paid 8mil at this rate. He's our best defensive player this playoff run by far.

I see what you’re seeing to degree but I think he doesn’t get the best out of his immense skillset because he doesn’t have the fire and courage to use them to their maximum effect. You don’t have to be Mackinnon level skating to barrel down the ice. You don’t need your shot to be 100% to have the resilience to just spam it like you said. He can use his body to shield the puck more. That’s a skill but it’s also not the highest end or skills to pop your hip and stick out a forearm to fend someone off. I don’t think he lacks tools, he just doesn’t have the proportionate level of fight in him.

 

[sunstersun]

I see what you’re seeing to degree but I think he doesn’t get the best out of his immense skillset because he doesn’t have the fire and courage to use them to their maximum effect. You don’t have to be Mackinnon level skating to barrel down the ice. You don’t need your shot to be 100% to have the resilience to just spam it like you said. He can use his body to shield the puck more. That’s a skill but it’s also not the highest end or skills to pop your hip and stick out a forearm to fend someone off. I don’t think he lacks tools, he just doesn’t have the proportionate level of fight in him.

I'm not over emphasizing speed. My reference point for an injured player producing was Drai on one foot.



Look at that. We can make all the mental excuses we want. The playstyle and talent level are more in question to me now.

Why can Drai produce far more injured than Matthews has ever been than a healthy Matthews?

Elite shot(one timer especially), that isn't hands reliant, a good signature spot that's spammable, and an elite playmaking ability. The last one is important because he's able to do all of the above while on one foot.

No one here is gonna tell me being on one foot is better than anything Matthews has faced. I'm starting to realize if Matthews was actually that guy, we'd probably have a chip right now.

Drai isn't some physical beast bodying people all the time either. That could be Matthews playstyle, but that ship has sailed long ago.

 

[Stephen]

I'm not over emphasizing speed. My reference point for an injured player producing was Drai on one foot.



Look at that. We can make all the mental excuses we want. The playstyle and talent level are more in question to me now.

Why can Drai produce far more injured than Matthews has ever been than a healthy Matthews?

Elite shot(one timer especially), that isn't hands reliant, a good signature spot that's spammable, and an elite playmaking ability. The last one is important because he's able to do all of the above while on one foot.

No one here is gonna tell me being on one foot is better than anything Matthews has faced. I'm starting to realize if Matthews was actually that guy, we'd probably have a chip right now.

Drai isn't some physical beast bodying people all the time either. That could be Matthews playstyle, but that ship has sailed long ago.

Drai is a dawg. A mean, surly superstar in a foul mood. I’ve looked at his game over the years and noted things Auston could pick up and incorporate. Drai braces for high traffic areas. He wades in there with his elbows up and his stick up. He’ll take a piece out of you and he buys himself a little space to operate. And when he attacks it’s often simple. He’s just going to the net in a straight line to score. Of course it helps to have McDavid. But there’s a simplicity and focus and fire to what he’s doing and it’s a lot more efficient than Matthews.

 

[sunstersun]

Drai is a dawg. A mean, surly superstar in a foul mood. I’ve looked at his game over the years and noted things Auston could pick up and incorporate. Drai braces for high traffic areas. He wades in there with his elbows up and his stick up. He’ll take a piece out of you and he buys himself a little space to operate. And when he attacks it’s often simple. He’s just going to the net in a straight line to score. Of course it helps to have McDavid. But there’s a simplicity and focus and fire to what he’s doing and it’s a lot more efficient than Matthews.

Why I'm so dreary this year about Matthews. It finally clicked with me there's major playstyle/process/talent issues beyond the injuries/mental holding Matthews back in the postseason.

Just look at Willy. Banger skater, passer, and shooter. Why wouldn't that translate better than Matthews?

Drai is all what you said, but also a top playmaker. Unlocks so much that Matthews will never know.

Drai is on one foot producing more than Matthews healthy. Surely we can get something outta the man with injured back/wrists.

 

[Stephen]

Why I'm so dreary this year about Matthews. It finally clicked with me there's major playstyle/process/talent issues beyond the injuries/mental holding Matthews back in the postseason.

Just look at Willy. Banger skater, passer, and shooter. Why wouldn't that translate better than Matthews?

Drai is all what you said, but also a top playmaker. Unlocks so much that Matthews will never know.

Drai is on one foot producing more than Matthews healthy. Surely we can get something outta the man with injured back/wrists.

I share the same frustrations. Matthews progression path has not been what you want out of your superstar forward in 2024-25. It looks like a health, mentality, play style, compete level. I don’t have an issue with his talent level (obviously) but it’s how he uses his tools, chameleon-like ability to play the game, and choosing a play style that doesn’t really work, that doesn’t really fully apply his talents. It’s a drive train and adaptability issue.

 

[Mess]

I share the same frustrations. Matthews progression path has not been what you want out of your superstar forward in 2024-25. It looks like a health, mentality, play style, compete level. I don’t have an issue with his talent level (obviously) but it’s how he uses his tools, chameleon-like ability to play the game, and choosing a play style that doesn’t really work, that doesn’t really fully apply his talents. It’s a drive train and adaptability issue.

Nate MacKinnon in a losing effort in round #1 put up 7 games 7 goals 4 assists 11 points,

These are my level of expectations from Matthews, to be able to control the game and play and have a large impact on the boxscore,

Matthews particularly come playoff time punches well below his weight class and contract level. IMO

Matthews has recorded 3 goals in his last 17 playoff games (Florida 2023, Boston 2024 and OTT/FLO) which has to be disappointing to most Leaf fans. Youngster Matty Knies in comparison has scored 7 goals during that same time period and some of them are beauties and difference makers.

 

[tuckerintensity]

It's wild that anyone who watched last night (or the opening round) thinks that his compete level, mentality, or play style is not up to par. He's very obviously got some form of concern that is affecting his shot, you don't need a degree in rocket surgery to see that, but literally everything else he's doing on the ice is top tier. If you can't see that, I'd question whether you are actually watching the games and/or if you just need to push a narrative because that's what your whole persona here.

 

[Mess]

It's wild that anyone who watched last night (or the opening round) thinks that his compete level, mentality, or play style is not up to par. He's very obviously got some form of concern that is affecting his shot, you don't need a degree in rocket surgery to see that, but literally everything else he's doing on the ice is top tier. If you can't see that, I'd question whether you are actually watching the games and/or if you just need to push a narrative because that's what your whole persona here.

Sports is a results oriented business and Matthews is one of the top 5 highest paid players in the game and with that comes expectations other that back-checking and faceoff wins.

 

[thewave]

It's wild that anyone who watched last night (or the opening round) thinks that his compete level, mentality, or play style is not up to par. He's very obviously got some form of concern that is affecting his shot, you don't need a degree in rocket surgery to see that, but literally everything else he's doing on the ice is top tier. If you can't see that, I'd question whether you are actually watching the games and/or if you just need to push a narrative because that's what your whole persona here.

Marner is dragging him down at this point. He started well yesterday and declined. I would say you are right though. He is playing very well minus the goal scoring.

 

[Jojalu]

Looks like a mentality problem to me. He can’t access the highest gears and compete level on a regular basis and requires external linemates to help access different aspects of his game.

Winning faceoffs, blocking shots, breaking up plays in the defensive zones are all high compete level things to do. Getting open for shots is a high compete level. The only thing he is not doing is converting. How that turns into a compete level thing is beyond me

 

[Martin Skoula]

Winning faceoffs, blocking shots, breaking up plays in the defensive zones are all high compete level things to do. Getting open for shots is a high compete level. The only thing he is not doing is converting. How that turns into a compete level thing is beyond me

You see he’s simply too lazy to flick his wrists a slightly different way than he currently is.