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Two Maple Leafs’ Series Stars: Matthews (No Surprise) & Nylander (Big Surprise)

During these playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Nylander – is that a surprise?

There’s no voting on this award, and on Wednesday night this week Auston Matthews was officially announced as the winner of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. The Rocket Richard Trophy is annually presented to the NHL’s top goal scorer. That was Matthews, who led the 2020-21 regular season with 41 goals in 52 games.

The 23-year-old center became the first Toronto Maple Leafs player in 75 years to lead the NHL in goals. He also was the first player born in the United States in 24 years to do so. Finally, because the trophy was only instituted in 1998-99, Matthews is also the first Maple Leafs’ player ever to win the trophy.

By the way, as Maple Leafs’ fans will recall, Matthews came ever so close to winning the award last season as well. He ended up second in goal scoring with 47 goals in 70 games.

Related: Maple Leafs Make 3 Lineup Changes with Tavares Out, 2 Non-Changes

Matthews Hasn’t Slowed Down During the Playoffs

So far during the Stanley Cup series between the Tornoto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, the Canadiens won Game 1 by a score of 2-1, but the Maple Leafs came roaring back to take Game 2 by a score of 5-1.

To no one’s surprise, Matthews has kept up his solid play during the first two games of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Although he had no points in Game 1, he did register eight shots on Canadiens’ goalie Carey Price. He’s played 11 games against the Canadiens this season, and this was the first time he’d been held off the scoreboard.

For as good as Matthews looked on the power play, firing shot after shot at the Habs’ goalie, the Canadiens planned their defense against him because on the power play they don’t feel threatened by any other Maple Leafs’ player. That changed in Game 2.

During Game 2’s power play, the Maple Leafs still worked hard to set up Matthews; however, other players adopted a shoot-first philosophy when the team played with the man advantage. It worked. Matthews again dominated during Game 2, but others showed up as well.

Matthews Scores Three Points During Game 2

During Game 2, Matthews scored a goal and added two assists. He also dominated the faceoff circle and won 16 of 20 faceoffs in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Canadiens in Game 2. Matthews was also physical, dishing out four solid hits to go along with his game-winning five-on-five goal and his assists on power-play goals by Rasmus Sandin and William Nylander.

Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews Maple Leafs OT goal

As I suggested by the title of this post, Matthews stepped up, which was no surprise. However, another Maple Leafs’ player joining Matthews in the heroics was Nylander. Nylander’s been more of surprise than Matthews in his contribution to the Maple Leafs’ success this season; and, that’s continued into the playoffs.

Nylander Scored in Both Games Against the Canadiens

Nylander scored a goal in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Canadiens in Game 1 and he added another goal in the 5-1 victory in Game 2. However, it isn’t just his scoring that’s making him stand out. For all the criticism Nylander gets from a segment of Maple Leafs fans, he’s been absolutely engaged during these games. That solid engagement has carried over from the regular season.

William Nylander (via sportingnews)

For example, just prior to his goal-side tap in on Thursday’s Game 1 (shown in the feature video to start the post), Nylander made a big hit to spark the team. During Game 2, Nylander found a rebound far outside the circle and slapped it over Price’s shoulder for a goal. That goal provided insurance in the Game 2 win.

So far, during these two playoff games, Nylander has scored three points – so far. The way he’s playing, the winger is likely to add more. He obviously came into this playoff round ready to play.

Related: Tavares Sends Message to Leafs Fans and Team After Scary Injury

Nylander’s Been One of the Best Maple Leafs’ Players on the Ice

Surprisingly to many – including Maple Leafs’ fans – Nylander has been one of the best Maple Leafs’ players on the ice. With John Tavares out with a concussion and a knee injury as well, fans hope that Nylander will continue to show up strong.

With the series moving to Montreal for Game 3 on Monday, the Maple Leafs will be in so much better shape if Nylander helps his second line contribute to the strong play of the team’s first line as well. As Game 1 suggested, with Price in goal for the Canadiens, no outcome is certain.

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6 Comments

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