"Although it was an erratic January for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews' goal-scoring prowess was perhaps the lone constant. For the better part of two seasons, Matthews' dip from his 2023-24 form has been a daily talking point, with many offering their theories and informed speculation about Toronto's captain. Matthews set the tone with a New Year's Day hat-trick against the Winnipeg Jets, and he leads all players with nine goals at 5-on-5 since January 1, tied with Montreal's Cole Caufield."
"Against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche, Matthews is given plenty of time to accelerate through the neutral zone and rips a shot unimpeded past Trent Miner for the go-ahead goal. It's not a highlight-reel goal by any means, but it does illustrate that you can't give Matthews time and space, as his shot is a real threat again. Matthews has been primarily situated with Bobby McMann and Max Domi through the calendar year of 2026."
Auston Matthews returned to potent goal-scoring form in January, highlighted by a New Year's Day hat-trick and nine 5-on-5 goals since January 1, tied for the NHL lead. Increased acceleration and shot velocity enabled Matthews to reach high-danger areas with greater frequency and convert chances more often. A neutral-zone burst and unimpeded shot against the Colorado Avalanche illustrated his renewed threat when given time and space. Matthews has spent much of 2026 with wingers Bobby McMann and Max Domi, a trio outscored 13-12 with a 49.6 percent expected-goals share in 190:07, though the sample remains limited.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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