Even though Auston Matthews is having a hard time scoring in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not stopped believing in their captain.
During the nine games of the current postseason, Matthews has two goals, with one goal from even-strength play. Nevertheless, Matthews has maintained a point-per-game flow, winning 10 points across the tournament, with three of those games producing multiple assists.
In Game 3 against the Florida Panthers, Matthews contributed to goals scored by Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, proving his continued value to the team’s offensive attack despite his current slump.
Maple Leafs Remain Steadfast in Their Faith in Auston Matthews
Both Matthews’ teammates and coaches are putting plenty of stock in the veteran’s extensive and accomplished body of work at the NHL level.
“I think he’s doing the right things, he’s getting good looks, On the first goal (on Friday), he got a good tip there, but it just hit the post. Little things like that. He’s doing the right things, getting chances and it’s bound to fall for him,” Knies said.
Head coach Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs staff maintain they are not concerned by Matthews’ recent goal drought.
“Look, he’s a great scorer, we all know that. I’m not too worried about it. It is what it is. Yeah, he needs to hit the net. He’s trying to hit the net, he’s not trying to miss the net,” Berube said regarding Matthews’ situation.
Matthews continues to contribute plenty, despite the recent lack of scoring. His teammates have praised his efforts off the puck, with the stats also supporting his efforts. Matthews is playing very well against the top 5-on-5 players in Toronto.
Although Matthews may not be contributing to the goals, the overall power-play passing for Toronto has dented rival teams by a 10-3 margin during his shifts, giving him a very strong 76.92% goals-for rate. Though he’s not lighting the lamp, his teams are still scoring on opponents when he’s there.
Having entered Game 4 with faith in Matthews’ presence on the ice and expecting his scoring touch will soon return at an important time in their series, the Maple Leafs feel they are in a good spot.
Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz Making Progress, But Still Not Ready to Skate
Anthony Stolarz, a goaltender for the Maple Leafs, is also coming along in his recovery. Stolarz got injured in Game 1 in a collision with Panthers forward Sam Bennett. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher and missed the play the following day, but he subsequently traveled with the team to Florida.
In talking to reporters, Berube said that although Stolarz has made progress, no definite timeline has been set on when he will start skating again. Currently, Joseph Woll is the top net player and will continue to hold down the starting role until Stolarz recovers.
Stolarz was poised to play in the postseason, but his injury relegated the net-minding to Woll, who has continued performing well against strong opposition. If the Leafs can continue their postseason run, the club is optimistic that Stolarz will eventually return, although an exact timeline remains murky until he’s able to resume skating.