Is Auston Matthews' Slow Start the Sign of Something More Than Just a Cold Streak?
With Auston Matthews off to a slow start, many have wondered whether nagging injuries have come back to haunt him, but Chris Johnston provides some clarity.
The Toronto Blue Jays being on the cusp of winning the World Series is likely a welcome sign to many members of the Maple Leafs, and not just because they represent the same city.
The Blue Jays' excellent performance so far has overshadowed the Maple Leafs' less than inspiring start to the 2025-26 NHL season. At the middle of it all is Leafs captain Auston Matthews.
Five goals and eight points in 11 games isn't exactly horrid, but Matthews hasn't looked like his usual self with some wondering whether old injuries have come back to haunt him early. Chris Johnston of TSN took that question to the team itself.
Auston Matthews' Performance Raises Questions About his Health
According to Johnston, there is nothing physically wrong with Matthews. That is, of course, great news. But, it also raises questions about what the issue is.
"This isn't a repeat of last season when he couldn't physically execute - it's more about finding ways to get him the puck in better scoring areas."
With Auston Matthews Healthy, What's Behind his Slow Start?
To peg Matthews as having a slow start alone isn't really fair. Aside from John Tavares, William Nylander and Matthew Knies, the entire teams looks listless at times while suffering from far too many defensive breakdowns.
At the same time, as the highest paid player and captain of the team, Matthews has a standard that he has to live up to, and he admitted himself that the problem for the whole team is all between the ears after being doubled up on by the Columbus Blue Jackets in their latest game.
The season is still young, but the Maple Leafs, and Matthews himself, need to find ways to start playing like a team soon or risk digging themselves a hole they won't be able to get out of.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 30 | 954 ANSWERS Is Auston Matthews' Slow Start the Sign of Something More Than Just a Cold Streak? Are you at all concerned about Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs making the playoffs this season? | ||
| Yes | 701 | 73.5 % |
| No | 206 | 21.6 % |
| Not sure | 47 | 4.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
