“Auston Matthews Unleashes Goal-scoring Frenzy: On Pace for 66 Goals! Leafs Face Blue Jackets in Clash of Titans – Can Matthews Maintain His ‘Full Attack Mode’?”
Auston Matthews is in top form, with John Tavares noting his prowess when the puck finds the net frequently. Tavares praises Matthews’ constant offensive aggression, emphasizing his ability to create opportunities. Matthews, who recently broke a goal-scoring slump, boasts an impressive 21 goals in 26 games this season, projecting to 66 goals if this pace…
Auston Matthews is in top form, with John Tavares noting his prowess when the puck finds the net frequently. Tavares praises Matthews’ constant offensive aggression, emphasizing his ability to create opportunities. Matthews, who recently broke a goal-scoring slump, boasts an impressive 21 goals in 26 games this season, projecting to 66 goals if this pace continues. The upcoming game against the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets presents an opportunity for Matthews to add to his eight goals in 12 career games against them.
The Leafs, currently 9-1-3 in their last 13 games, face the Jackets three times in the next 16 days. Despite a flu bug affecting the team, coach Sheldon Keefe is optimistic and considering lineup adjustments. The morning skate saw winger Matthew Knies, recovering from illness, absent from regular line rushes, potentially replaced by Noah Gregor alongside Matthews and William Nylander.
In the goaltending department, Ilya Samsonov is expected to start for Toronto, while Elvis Merzlikins, returning from illness, is likely to start for Columbus. Timothy Liljegren, out since November 2 due to a high ankle sprain, is nearing a return.
Matthews shares the NHL goal-scoring lead with Brock Boeser, each tallying 21 goals. Coach Keefe praises Matthews not just for his goal-scoring spree but for his overall performance, emphasizing his ability to create pressure and benefit his teammates.
On a personal note, Tavares acknowledges the popularity of his father’s emotional reaction to his 1,000th NHL point, captured during the Leafs’ recent game against the Islanders. The milestone moment was made even more special with his father present during the dads’ trip.
