$53,000,000 forward Auston Matthews voices frustration over Maple Leafs top line's recent lack of contribution

Modified Nov 29, 2023 16:17 GMT

In a candid postgame interview, Toronto Maple Leafs' $53 million forward Auston Matthews expressed his frustration over the recent struggles of his team's top line. Following his milestone 500th NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, Matthews, who signed a historic four-year, $53m contract in August, emphasized the need for consistency, acknowledging the challenges the top trio has faced in contributing offensively.

"It's a little hit or miss, honestly," Matthews commented (via Sportsnet.ca). "I think just the consistency has been a big thing. That can be frustrating. Sometimes we'll pile on a couple of good shifts, and then there are segments throughout the game and throughout periods where we just don't have much going on."

Despite being tied for second in the league's goal-scoring race, Matthews has found the net only once in his past seven outings. His linemate Mitch Marner has also faced scrutiny with just three assists in his last seven contests.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe, however, defended the top line's performance in the face of mounting questions.

“I thought that line was good,” said Keefe (via Sportsnet.ca).

Highlighting Marner's impressive five-on-five scoring record this season, Keefe acknowledged that while the trio could play better, they have set a high standard and continue to face the toughest matchups every night. He continued:

"We’re getting all sorts of questions about these guys. I think we’d all agree that they could play better — they’ve set such a high standard — [but] they can play better. Yet, here we are; one of the many reports I get before every game, I’m reading through, and one of them I’m looking at is our five-on-five scoring this season and at the top of the list is Mitch Marner (with 13 points).

"So, a guy here that we say hasn’t played his best hockey [and] has all the hardest matchups every single night, yet is the top of our team at five-on-five scoring.”

The Leafs fell to the Penguins 3-2 in a tight contest. The team had opportunities to equalize in the third period but couldn't find the back of the net against Penguins' goaltender Tristan Jarry, who made 31 saves.

Auston Matthews' stellar scoring sparks Maple Leafs' season surge

Auston Matthews is showcasing his scoring prowess this season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 19 games, the star center has lit the lamp an impressive 14 times and contributed seven assists, accumulating a total of 21 points.

With an average ice time of over 20 minutes per game, Matthews remains a key figure for the Maple Leafs, providing both goal-scoring and playmaking.