C Auston Matthews (2016, 1st, TOR) VII

[theIceWookie]

Idk, I find that he's extremely flashy- with all the direction changing, dangles, quick hands and even that one between the legs thing he did. Can't really say who he reminds me of too much because the more I watch of him, the more I see a mixture of a few players.



That is one thing I noticed too about not only Matthews but Laine too. Before, on the euro ice, they had a little bit more room and a moment or two extra to shoot. They will have to get used to the NHL style of guys getting sticks and bodies in front of everything.

Yea I think they'll adjust, they'll just need a little time to figure out timing and space differences but I have no doubt they will. FOr what it's worth, I think Matthews will figure it out a little quicker than Laine (simply because Laine has played all his life on Euro ice, Matthews has just done one year) but they'll both figure it out before long

 

[ijuka]

I think some of it has to do with him being on the wing. When was the last time Matthews played on the wing?

I see him on the wing and pulling a deke to cut into the middle where his usual scoring chances are but he's drawing more attention.

I'd like to see Matthews tried as center of the third line in the next game. First line would be McDavid and friends and second line would be RNH + Halifax.

 

[TIGERCOOL]

I'd like to see Matthews tried as center of the third line in the next game. First line would be McDavid and friends and second line would be RNH + Halifax.

I agree. Matthews is most beneficial to the team when he has control of the puck/play. He's not a guy who will show up at the right time, he's a natural born driver. Not often you see a guy this young who is actually more effective/useful at center than wing.

 

[Leafs87]

He should definetly be center especially if they move him back with Mac and RNH

 

[Jaynki]

Anyone notice how Matthews hasn't had a decent shot on goal the past 2 games? He's had scoring chances, but no open shots on goal.

I wonder how long it will take him to figure it out.

No i haven't noticed that.

I have notice tho that he is a ridiculous talent and i even question myself right now if 18YO McDavid would be as good as 18YO Matthews right now.

 

[one77]

No i haven't noticed that.

I have notice tho that he is a ridiculous talent and i even question myself right now if 18YO McDavid would be as good as 18YO Matthews right now.

Different players. Obviously McDavid is pretty much generational but Matthews in his own way has an edge believe it or not. He's extremely special all around.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

No i haven't noticed that.

I have notice tho that he is a ridiculous talent and i even question myself right now if 18YO McDavid would be as good as 18YO Matthews right now.

Matthews is turning 19 in 5 days. He will be 19 before his tournament officially begins.

Different players. Obviously McDavid is pretty much generational but Matthews in his own way has an edge believe it or not. He's extremely special all around.

No. Every rational personal knows that McDavid is a superior player than Matthews and was a superior prospect. It's not at all controversial.

 

[one77]

Matthews is turning 19 in 5 days. He will be 19 before the tournament officially begins.

Plays and carries himself like a 35 year old vet.

 

[one77]

Matthews is turning 19 in 5 days. He will be 19 before his tournament officially begins.



No. Every rational personal knows that McDavid is a superior player than Matthews and was a superior prospect. It's not at all controversial.

Where did I say he's better? I said in his own way he's got an edge (in terms of size and defensive awareness. Mature beyond his years).

McDavid is on another level. Everyone knows that.

 

[HarrisonFord]

Shift by Shift for last game

From watching that video, what stood out the most to me is just how good he is at navigating with the puck through tight traffic. His hands are much better than I thought they were.

We've seen the few amazing plays that have been gif'd so far today, but how about:

The amazing kick pass at 10:45
The great stick work to keep the puck going up the ice at 11:45
The hand eye and co-ordination and skill to bat the puck down out of mid-air, and get immediate control of the puck at 13:25

 

[TDK67]

From watching that video, what stood out the most to me is just how good he is at navigating with the puck through tight traffic. His hands are much better than I thought they were.

We've seen the few amazing plays that have been gif'd so far today, but how about:

The amazing kick pass at 10:45
The great stick work to keep the puck going up the ice at 11:45
The hand eye and co-ordination and skill to bat the puck down out of mid-air, and get immediate control of the puck at 13:25

I'm like a broken record when it comes to the kid's hands, but they're truly unbelievable. And I'm glad you also mentioned his hand-eye coordination because that's almost been overlooked despite watching him consistently and successfully bat pucks out of mid air and into places where he can pick them up before the opposing team does. It's crazy.

 

[The Thin White Duke]

Anyone notice how Matthews hasn't had a decent shot on goal the past 2 games? He's had scoring chances, but no open shots on goal.

I wonder how long it will take him to figure it out.

The same thing happened to a lesser extent at the WCH. He generates a ridiculous amount of scoring chances from high-danger areas but the shots don't make it through as often as you'd expect from there. I'd expect that his goal totals are really going to jump after a season of getting used to the amount of space he'll get in the NHL and an offseason of working on his shot accuracy.

 

[Dubi Doo]

The same thing happened to a lesser extent at the WCH. He generates a ridiculous amount of scoring chances from high-danger areas but the shots don't make it through as often as you'd expect from there. I'd expect that his goal totals are really going to jump after a season of getting used to the amount of space he'll get in the NHL and an offseason of working on his shot accuracy.

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

 

[Purity*]

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

Where in god's name did you hear that?

He has a lightning quick release with some great velocity. Watch some of his highlights from the NLA and you'll see it.

He hasn't used it much this tourney because I think he's just not used to the shooting angles on the wing.

 

[TheLeastOfTheBunch]

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

You haven't heard right regarding his shot. He's regarded as a "shooting" centre, at least according to Marc Crawford:

On comparisons:

I’ve said a lot of players I’d compare him to. He’s got elements of many players. Remember, he’s 18 years old. I had Anze Kopitar at 19, I had Jamie Benn at 19, and I had Joe Sakic as a 21 year old. I think Auston has got a lot of the qualities of those guys. At the same age, he looks very, very similar to Anze Kopitar with the way he drives the net, the way he protects the puck in offensive areas. He’s better offensively than Anze. He’s a shooter like Joe Sakic. His shot is similar to Jamie Benn’s. They shoot it with a lot of power, they stay on pucks the same way. Obviously, what you hope is that he adds an element of physicality to his game like Jamie Benn. You hope that he learns the defensive game the way that Anze Kopitar learned the defensive game. The hope is that the leadership that he has one day makes him like a shooting center that played well no matter who he played with and made people better, like Joe Sakic. I think Auston has that type of potential.

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2016...-hes-going-to-be-an-impact-player-right-away/

“He’s a lot like Anze Kopitar in his skating,†explained Marc Crawford, the long-time NHL coach who was Matthews’s coach last season in Switzerland’s top pro league. “How [Matthews] carries speed and his ability to take pucks to the net. He’s got a shot like Joe [Sakic] though. Joe had so many release points with his shot that I always thought that was his best attribute. And Auston has that. The other guy I see is a lot of Jamie Benn in him. He’s not as physical as Jamie, but he stays on pucks. He’s going to be a great, shooting centre.â€

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...-in-nhl-draft/article30615975/?service=mobile

 

[93LEAFS]

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

His shot is amazing and is among the best of any players to enter the draft recently outside of Laine. For example, Pronman had it as the 2nd best shot in the draft, and had it above McDavid, Eichel, Reinhart, and Mackinnon from prior drafts.

 

[McMatthews]

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

He's got a release like Joe Sakic.

Not sure what you're going on about, lol.

 

[HarrisonFord]

He's got a release like Joe Sakic.

Not sure what you're going on about, lol.

There have literally been posts and highlights on here showing just how ridiculous his release is

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I believe he'll score a lot of his goals in tight around the net, which is vital in the playoffs. As others have mentioned, his hand eye coordination seems to be top notch, so he'll probably score a lot of goals from redirecting shots. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Mathews, but from what I've heard his shot is far from elite, and he may struggle getting his shot off quickly and deceptively. Regardless, he can hit 30 goals by being stellar around the net, which is where he'll likely make his bread and butter.

Where did you hear that? The Finnish Five?

 

[Thebesthockey]

Yeah, there's a combination of reasons he hasn't had an excellent scoring chance yet. Though he had a couple pretty good ones in the first game.

It's really hard to complain about as in reality he has only played 2 NHL level games and even though Europe is considered the weakest of the teams, they are still a lot stronger than the average NHL team.

there is so much hot air and tire pumping on this thread

he is just "great" against pillow soft europe team...)

0 points in nhl...proved nothing

 

[WTFMAN99]

there is so much hot air and tire pumping on this thread

he is just "great" against pillow soft europe team...)

0 points in nhl...proved nothing

He's playing against NHLers right now at the WCOH and some NHL quality players at the WC, he's looked good every time.

 

[WillTheThrill]

there is so much hot air and tire pumping on this thread

he is just "great" against pillow soft europe team...)

0 points in nhl...proved nothing

Pillow soft Europe team thats full of NHLers lol

Stay jealous buddy, its quite entertaining.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Well then, pardon my ignorance, and please refrain from getting your panties in a bunch. I could've sworn I read arguements on this site regarding his shot.

As I said I've only had limited viewing of the kid, but I invisioned him being a strong skating, two-way center with incredible hands and vision, but lacked truly elite top-end speed and shot. This is why I thought he'd be amazing around the net. A consisent 30+ goal scorer who'd also notch 40+ assists year while also being a stud defensively.

As of right now Mathews is only a myth to me. I only have highlight reels, a few shift by shift videos, and hearsay to judge. I can't wait to see him live. I have an appreciation for American born players, even if the do play for a rival team.

 

[SnazzyNazzy]

I agree that its hard to get a read on him having not seen him regularly, so far so good. The earliest thing I remember hearing about him though was his shot and how its his calling card. I had no idea about the other cards he was holding.

 

[Purity*]

Well then, pardon my ignorance, and please refrain from getting your panties in a bunch. I could've sworn I read arguements on this site regarding his shot.

Not a problem at all. I'm guessing you did read those arguments, and I'm also guessing they came from Finnish posters who look to tear down Matthews every chance they get in the name of pumping up their boy Laine.

As I said I've only had limited viewing of the kid, but I invisioned him being a strong skating, two-way center with incredible hands and vision, but lacked truly elite top-end speed and shot. This is why I thought he'd be amazing around the net. A consisent 30+ goal scorer who'd also notch 40+ assists year while also being a stud defensively.

I would agree that he does lack absolute top-end speed (if by top-end you mean McDavid/Eichel/Larkin level of speed) but his shot is absolutely top-end. His wrister has been compared to Sakic's.

As of right now Mathews is only a myth to me. I only have highlight reels, a few shift by shift videos, and hearsay to judge. I can't wait to see him live. I have an appreciation for American born players, even if the do play for a rival team.

Don't worry us Leafs fans are grinding our teeth waiting for the season to start. It's been so long since we've had a player of Matthews' caliber.