Tribute Auston Matthews Discussion Thread II: Record Breaking Edition

[MAB1]

No point. Some people see highlight packages of flashy plays from the wide open ice of the west, from players that don't bother playing defense, and proclaim them to be gods that Matthews needs to aspire to, while ignoring that Matthews is a straight up better player who can match that production through more difficult situations and injuries, and bring so much more on top.

On-ice xGA isn't a perfect representation of the individual, but I think the discrepancy in that between these players these playoffs speaks volumes.

On-ice 5v5 xGA/60
Matthews: 1.58
Draisaitl: 3.17
Mackinnon: 3.31

Last year, both Matthews and Mackinnon faced Tampa. Matthews produced better against them, despite Tampa not even having Point for most of that series against Mackinnon. But all hail Mackinnnon for being PPG these playoffs against... *checks notes* Yannni Gourde.

Imagine thinking Matthews doesn't "take the puck to the danger areas". Like what are some people watching?

It's crazy how much our own players are underappreciated by our own fans.

Matthews is literally a less physical, two-way C version of Ovi and 1/2 this fanbase is too busy admiring someone else's grass to appreciate it.

Look at the career matchups of Matthews vs Mackinnon and McDavid/Drai...he dominates them head-to-head, especially 5 on 5. But sure, McDavid going through the Kings and Flames and Mackinnon going through the Preds and Blues is the same as Matthews and Marner going through the Bolts and Bruins lmao.

The teams that McDavid and Mackinnon face in the playoffs wouldn't even make the playoffs if they were in the Atlantic (must be nice to beat up on the Ducks, Sharks and Coyotes 10+ times a season instead of facing the Bruins and Bolts that often)

Marner may be the Robin to Matthews' but Mitchy himself would be the main guy on every team except the Oilers and Avs.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Matthews is literally a less physical, two-way C version of Ovi and 1/2 this fanbase is too busy admiring someone else's grass to appreciate it.

The goal-scoring of Ovechkin, the puck protection of Jagr, and the defense and takeaway ability of Datsyuk.
If you were creating a blueprint of the perfect hockey player, you wouldn't be far off. Most of us won't see a player like this on the Leafs again in our lifetimes.
Unfortunately, some people can't even recognize what they have, and are missing it...

 

[HamiltonNHL]

Illusions of some day, cast in a golden light.
No dress rehersal, this is your life.

 

[thewave]

He didn't have a great season but his playoff has been getting better with every game. He showed up to help us secure a win which was nice. Hope he gets a hatty and buries Tampa

 

[HamiltonNHL]

 

[al secord]

He didn't have a great season but his playoff has been getting better with every game. He showed up to help us secure a win which was nice. Hope he gets a hatty and buries Tampa

I'm feeling the hatty vibes too. Or maybe he'll just hit 'em with a 4

 

[ORRFForever]

Every time I criticize Matthews, he scores...

Come on A.M., do SOMETHING !!!!

 

[Gary Nylund]

That was a beautiful goal, can you do it again?

What a shot! Haven't seen Matthews score with that shot much lately, what a joy it was to see that!

 

[Vinh]

What a player. Ridiculous all-around impact.

 

[Stephen]

Let's see Matthews take it to a whole new level with that new found confidence from the first round win.

 

[hockeeyyy]

Auston Matthews doesn't seem to be rewarding this fanbase or franchise with any kind of playoff breakout. Just the same inconsistent regular season play. On one shift, off for three more. Sometimes physical and fighting in traffic but usually not. Getting outscored and outplayed by Anthony Cirelli halfway through an importantseries. Getting lapped by other superstars in the game. Playing more and more timid in the big moments. Headed in the wrong direction.

Lmao

 

[Havoc]

This is your 2023 Conn Smythe winner make sure to speak with respect if you enter here

 

[thewave]

Played like a leader tonight. JT finished it off like a leader as well. Sammy is the real leader right now though.

Matthews was solid overall this series.

 

[BertCorbeau]

When was the last time we’ve seen such a dominant regular season player display this much subpar play in the playoffs through their career?

He just doesn’t have it.

So what's the best way to cook crow?

Cause Matty sure has made me eat it

 

[stats1]

Guy was a super star tonight on every part of the ice. What a game!!

 

[Eternal Leaf]

He was brilliant in this series and was dominant in game 6. Terrific performance.

 

[authentic]

Let's see Matthews take it to a whole new level with that new found confidence from the first round win.

If he had a perfectly healthy wrist/hand he would be downright scary, still is of course but could you imagine him with those zinging lasers going at 100%

 

[1specter]

He's been an absolute stud. Delivered in some huge moments.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

“No show in the playoffs”
“Overrated”

He’s a f***ing beauty

 

[Holls Blackmail]

He’s such a force on the D-side, unlike that no good son of a bitch McNoBackCheck jabroni.

Auston the real.

 

[3blizzard4]

That shift by Matthews where he ends up scoring the 1-0 goal was THE shift of the playoffs so far bar non. My man was on a f*cking mission there.

 

[ClarkSittler]

Best player in the series on both teams.

 

[mapleleafs34]

That shift by Matthews where he ends up scoring the 1-0 goal was THE shift of the playoffs so far bar non. My man was on a f*cking mission there.

Absolutely insane shift.

 

[Vinh]

Still so pumped that they won. Matthews was excellent in Round 1. Defense, big goals, etc. Here are some highlights of his work vs. Tampa:





Regardless of who's up next for the Leafs, they need to keep shooting from the point. Tips and rebounds are such a valuable source of offense in the playoffs—and we just saw how much trouble they can give elite goaltenders.

Guys like Matthews, Tavares and ROR are really good in tight.

 

[IPS]

That shift by Matthews where he ends up scoring the 1-0 goal was THE shift of the playoffs so far bar non. My man was on a f*cking mission there.

Dude went prime Johnathon Toews mode a few times this series. We need more of that.