Auston Matthews is the Real Deal

Auston Matthews is certainly the real deal. I have been one of his biggest critics, mostly off the ice and if he can lead the Leafs to the second round but right now, I bow down to his scoring ability. He just doesn’t score goals, he creates history. Matthews now has set the record for most goals by a U.S.-born player in a season. Jimmy Carson (1987-88) and Kevin Stevens (1992-93) had held the record at 55. He also continues to lead the NHL in goals and is on track to win the second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy of his career.

With his latest feats and dominate performances there is a lot of noise about the Hart Trophy too. Most people have been ready to give it to New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin but Matthews now has to be the favorite. He has helped raise the game of the Toronto Maple Leafs and have them firmly in second place in the Eastern Division. With 11 games left, he will certainly hit 60 but is 65 or even 70 a reality? After these final games are done and the awards are anointed, can he get this team, along with his partner Mitch Marner, past the first round…..the Boston Bruins may have something to say about this. 

by Kerry Goulet