Marner, Knies and Berube address Matthews' current scoring slump.
Some of the top Maple Leafs address the elephant in the room, the lack of scoring from Auston Matthews.
The Toronto Maple Leafs saw captain Auston Matthews explode for 69 regular season goals during the 2023-24 National Hockey League season and no doubt that stunning bit of contrast is playing a significant role in all of the attention currently being given to Matthews' current scoring slump.
Matthews has managed to record just 3 goals over the course of his last 16 games and it has become such a topic of conversation in Toronto that now Matthews' teammates are being hit with questions on the topic. On Saturday, Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner defended his teammate highlighting his strong defensive play this season.
"I think a lot of people look at us and want us to get points every night and that's all they care about," said Marner. "He's been playing a great defensive game, his [penalty kill] has been pretty special for us as well. He means a lot to us on that ice regardless of if he's scoring goals or not."
Teammate Matthew Knies faced a similar question and had a similar response to the one Marner gave, however Knies would go one step further and shift some of the blame onto himself.
"He's still being a good leader and a good example for all of us," said Knies of Matthews. "I need to help him out a little bit more, I think my game has slipped too. I gotta look to be better and I think it's all of us in this room that have to take another step."
Head coach Craig Berube on the other hand did admit that it was taking a toll on both player and team alike.
"It weighs on everybody," admitted Berube. "A player like that he wants it."
Berube appeared to be confident that things would eventually turn around with Matthews still creating chances.
"I said it before he's getting the opportunities, it's just not going in," said Berube.
Like Marner before him, Berube would highlight the strong defensive play of Matthews as well.
"He's doing a lot of good things, we just gotta stick with it."
What do you think of this current scoring slump from the former multi-time Rocket Richard trophy winner? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
