Brownscombe/MLHS:
8. It?s pretty hard to believe that Auston Matthews is 33 games into his season and only has one multi-goal game. He had six by this time last season. He certainly deserved one tonight (six shots on goal).
Of late, most of it is down to luck. I do wonder if a small fraction of it is mindset as well. Watching him play, I never get the impression that the slower goal-scoring pace ? still excellent at 42 goals, but well behind last season?s otherworldly pace ? is affecting his approach in the slightest. He looks like a player who is taking a lot of pride and joy in playing impeccable 200-foot hockey and piling up wins with his teammates than he is showing any concern about taking advantage of ?point night? opportunities for the sake of individual trophies, scoring races, or other personal accolades. There is rarely any sign of him forcing anything or cheating.
He?s arguably never looked more committed to tracking back deep into the defensive zone to break up plays and support his defensemen. You can see him highly engaged and motivated by the challenge of smothering other elite players in his matchups. He looks like a player whose sole focus is on winning games and executing the habits that are going to make the difference if and when this team finally breaks through at playoff time. Silly goal totals would obviously be fun ? and may well still be in store the rest of the way ? but I am getting plenty of enjoyment out of watching the total commitment to detail all over the rink in the vast majority of Matthews? games this season.
Their commentary is usually solid, as this one is.