Alarming Statistic Has Many Wondering What's Going on With Leafs Captain Auston Matthews
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews' scoring struggles date back to last season, and one alarming statistic has everyone wondering, now more than ever, what's going on?
Upon first glance, Auston Matthews' 5 goals through 11 games doesn't appear to be that bad, as it still puts him on a 45-goal pace this season. However, when we dig a little bit deeper, the reality is far more alarming than many may have suspected.
Matthews had significant issues with his health last season, which isn't news to anyone. However, with the Leafs' captain coming into this season as healthy as he's ever been, many expected him to pop off offensively.
Auston Matthews' Last 6 Games Are Concerning
Through his first 5 games, Matthews delivered, contributing 4 goals and 5 points, which had many believing that he was back to his former glory. However, in the 6 games that have followed, Matthews has produced only 1 goal and 2 assists and hasn't taken over the game like he can.
Yes, the Leafs are still adjusting to life without Mitch Marner, and yes the Leafs are without the services of William Nylander, who was recently reunited with Matthews on the top line, but even with these issues, your $13.25M forward needs to produce.
A Haunting Statistic for #34
On Thursday, Leafs reporter Michael Distefano shared a haunting Auston Matthews statistic that is really quite jarring when you stop and think about it. Since February 1st, 2025, Matthews is 250th in the NHL in goals per 60 minutes at 5v5, tallying just six goals at 5v5 over that span.
To put that into perspective, per StatMuse, Matthews has more 5v5 goals than any player in the NHL since his draft year. More than Alex Ovechkin, more than Leon Draisaitl, more than Nathan MacKinnon.
Craig Berube's System Could Be Hurting Matthews' Offensive Output
There's something to Matthews' meteoric fall on offense, and it might even have something to do with the new, more rigid system implemented by Craig Berube since taking over for Sheldon Keefe in Toronto.
Berube does really push a defense-first game, which doesn't really allow for the same type of high-octane offensive system that Matthews thrived in under Keefe. Does that mean that this is the new norm for Matthews? I certainly hope not, and I'm willing to bet that I'm not alone.
Is a Low Shooting Percentage and High ATOI the Issue?
For Matthews, it's simple. He needs to get into better scoring areas, and his teammates need to get him the puck. There aren't many who can shoot the puck like he can, but for one reason or another, he simply doesn't seem to be getting quality shots off at anywhere near the same level as he used to.
Matthews' shooting percentage this season (10.9%) is also the lowest of his career thus far. His 21:59 ATOI this season is also the highest of his career, so perhaps playing a few less shifts will keep him fresher and more lethal on the scoresheet.
Whatever the root cause of Matthews' 5v5 scoring issues, the Leafs need to get a handle on it, and quick, because if your top player isn't playing like your top player, you're certainly going to have problems.
| POLL | ||
7 HOURS AGO | 132 ANSWERS Alarming Statistic Has Many Wondering What's Going on With Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Do you think Auston Matthews and Craig Berube are a mismatch? | ||
TRENDING NOW
