As the Maple Leafs’ top centre plows through opposing defences, his teammates are cheering on Matthews’ attempts to become the first 70-goal scorer in the National Hockey League since 1992-93, when Alexander Mogilny scored 76 goals for the Buffalo Sabres and Teemu Selanne had 76 for the Winnipeg Jets.
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Matthews’ hat trick on Thursday in a 4-3 Leafs victory over the Flames placed him on pace for 71 goals, breaking his franchise record of 60 goals established two seasons ago. Matthews scored 37 goals in 42 games.
“It’s hard to believe,” Leafs captain John Tavares told reporters in Vancouver on Friday, referring to Matthews’ speed. “When you witness that every day, not only the skill level and talent, but also the work ethic and determination, it’s truly remarkable.
The Vancouver Canucks lead the NHL standings with 64 points, but they will not take the task of frustrating Matthews for granted when the clubs meet Saturday at Rogers Arena. While the Toronto superstar has 18 goals in 22 career games against Vancouver, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is more concerned about Matthews’ performance in Calgary.
“You have to defend the guts of the ice with that person,” Tocchet stated on Friday. “I witnessed Matthews’ first goal against Calgary — somehow he got the puck in the middle, and when he gets the puck in the high slot… If you want him to shoot, hopefully from the outside. That’s your strategy, at the very least.
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“He is such a consistent performer who scores under duress. The Leafs are down 2-0 when he scores, making it 2-1, and then, bam, he wins the game for them. He has the gift, but I know he works his ass off over the summer.”
Naturally, Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe had a broader perspective when evaluating Matthews’ performance against the Flames. Matthews’ fourth hat trick of the season and 11th of his career helped his club snap a four-game losing streak that left Leafs Nation in emotional disarray, but there was more to it for Keefe.
“His puck battles, defending, and checking — when he checks and defends like that, he wins the majority of his shifts, and it sets our team up for success,” Keefe said. “The combination of the two (scoring and defensive abilities) is why a player of his caliber can lead us to victory.”
After experimenting with several line combinations in recent games, Keefe placed Tyler Bertuzzi back on the left wing with Tavares and William Nylander for practice on Friday.
“I just think he has done a fantastic job there most of the season,” Keefe said. “When those men played together, they were a great line for us. It is a good fit. “It fits wonderfully.”
We disagree that Bertuzzi did an excellent job on the line. While Bertuzzi’s underlying figures are great, six goals in 43 games is a significant letdown for someone who was expected to score and is paid $5.5 million US to do so.
Bertuzzi was questioned why he believes the goals have not been going his way.
“I don’t know,” Bertuzzi replied. “Just keep working hard and getting to the net; it will come.”
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Perhaps it won’t, but Bertuzzi will have the opportunity. However, forwards Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves continue to observe from the press box. Robertson has missed six of the last eight games, and Reaves hasn’t played since injuring his kneecap against Columbus on December 14.
Reaves stated after practice on January 1 that he was close to returning, but that has yet to happen.
“There is not much (Robertson and Reaves) can accomplish at this time while not playing,” Keefe explained. “It’s more about what’s going on around them (Keefe sees positives in Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann).
“I have these discussions with Tre (general manager Brad Treliving) every day, often multiple times, about how we manage our lineup and make the best decisions for the team that night, while also looking at the big picture.”
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Tavares has gone six games without scoring, his longest drought as a Leaf. Does he lose confidence? “Well, I’m human too, so you have feelings throughout the game,” Tavares explained. “I believe in myself, but you have to prove it every day.” … After going 40 games without a penalty, Morgan Rielly has been punished twice in the last three games. “I was thrilled to go to the box,” Rielly explained. “I didn’t want that goose egg on there anymore.” Would Rielly like a shot at the Lady Byng Trophy? “No comment,” he replied. The Leafs have 123 power plays, ranking 28th before NHL games on Friday. Why do the Leafs rank near the bottom of the NHL in that category? “I’d love to know,” Tavares stated. “As the season progresses and postseason races heat up, referees do not want to be the ones deciding games. “You simply play, compete, and earn your calls.”
