Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 things we learned from series vs. Columbus
By Paul Taylor
2) Auston Matthews proves himself in postseason play.
Matthews was enjoying a career-best regular season when play was suspended back in March. He was just three goals short of 50 and had an opportunity to set a new franchise mark in this category.
Regardless, entering the series with Columbus we asked if the 22-year-old was capable of stepping up in a pressure situation? For all the accolades he had achieved during his four seasons in the NHL, he had yet to truly translate this success to the postseason.
As much as 10 goals in 20 NHL games is good, Mathews’ lack of assists and overall influence was left wanting. Following the play-in series however, he answered the call and proved he can deliver when the heat is on, even though it wasn’t technically the playoffs.
Right from the word go, the 2016 first overall draft pick proved he was up the challenge. Despite being held pointless in Game 1, he was still the best forward on the ice and unfortunate not to score, including one effort which hit the crossbar.
What was also telling about Game 1 was Matthews also played a team-high 24:38, which was more minutes than he ever played under Mike Babcock in a postseason game. This usage only increased during the five games, as Head coach Sheldon Keefe continually put faith in his young superstar.
By the end of the series, the San Ramon, California finished second among all Leafs skaters with an average ice of time of 25:00. It was certainly justified, as he led the team with six points (two goals and four assists).
In truth, the statistical output only partly tells the story of how effective Matthews was against Columbus, as he displayed his influence and a superior work ethic on the ice. He also showed his ability to be patient when things were not going right and wait for his opportunity, best highlighted by his winning goal in the extraordinary comeback in Game 4.
That Matthews managed to play so well against one of the best defences in the NHL speaks volumes. There’s a lot wrong with the Leafs, but not their number one centre, who is set to only continue improving.