Former Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Reveals the Inconvenient Truth About Auston Matthews
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews is currently learning how to play the game without Mitch Marner by his side, which has been easier said than done.
Auston Matthews has five goals in 10 games to start the NHL season. While this is an improvement on last season's start, it is still well below the pace we expect from Matthews.
Of course, this season is a much different beast than past years. Why? Well, it all has to do with the fact that Mitch Marner is no longer on the roster.
Matthews has had a rotating cast of wingers on the first line to start the season, and as it stands, his linemates are Bobby McMann and William Nylander.
This is not conducive to consistency, and there have been times when the forward has struggled mightily. For some, it has been particularly hard to watch him.
Matt Stajan pumps the brakes on Auston Matthews
While appearing on "Leafs Morning Take,' former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Stajan was honest about Matthews, and made some comments that won't make fans feel any better.
He noted that losing Marner is a huge adjustment. He believes the captain can figure it out, but it is going to take a while.
Head coach Craig Berube could continue shuffling the lines around, which would make it harder for Matthews to find that elusive consistency.
Auston Matthews and the Leafs play tonight
Tonight, Matthews and the Maple Leafs are taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second half of a back-to-back.
After winning two games in a row, this is an opportunity for the Leafs to go on their first three-game winning streak of the NHL season thus far.
Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can come through and have one of their best efforts of the entire season. They need it right about now.
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