Matthews finally shows up in the 3rd, he actually tried, used his size, speed to create a scoring chance for himself otherwise totally invisible. Watch Edmonton, Colorado, McDavid, McKinnon look like they want to win every game, every shift, I'm not sure what goes on in Matthews' head but he can so easily play in cruise mode even tho he can play at the level of these other great players. He might play 3 games in the playoffs but TO needs 4/5 games from him to win a series.
His first game after his long injury recup was special, I think he and Marner had 5 points each that game, that's what he/them are capable of, why aren't we seeing that? Are they saving themselves for the playoffs, the team as a whole hasn't been playing like they deserve to make the playoffs and Matthews/Marner are primarily responsible, I'd say this has been going on for 30 games.
Yes they get their points and that's due to talent but because there's so little talent behind them they need to be far more assertive both now and in the playoffs, they need to earn their money via points and possession, not just points.
TO outshot Utah 13-4 and played them fairly evenly till mid way in the 2nd, then it was all Utah except for Matthews' one shot in the 3rd, the only time he asserted himself the entire game. TO ended up outshot 32-26, horrendous, this team needs to be shaken up so much, I ache when I watch the games.
The talent is there but TO needs a coach that can see what's going on and coach, not role out the same old, same old.