Matthews Is Putting Up Big Numbers Under Jim Hiller, But Why?

I saw a simple but curious post today. Auston Matthews has already recorded two four-point games in just six games under Jim Hiller. He had only one four-point game in two seasons under Craig Berube. The obvious analysis is that it’s an early sign that Hiller’s approach might be bringing out more of Matthews’ offensive game.

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Big Change in Matthews’ Production, But Why?

Two four-point games in six games under Hiller; one in two seasons under Berube. That’s the little stat behind the question—not a verdict, but a clue worth turning over. And since the opponents were Nashville and Colorado, you can’t wave away the contrast as simply a couple of easy matchups. One was middle-of-the-road; the other, elite.

The more interesting question is whether the two coaches gave Matthews different chances to do what he does best. Hiller seems comfortable working closely with skilled players and using tactics to get them involved. That may mean giving Matthews a little room to read the play, attack open ice, and make something happen. For a scorer like him, a few extra chances to use his instincts can go a long way.

Berube vs. Hiller in Coaching Styles

Berube’s reputation and approach lean more toward structure, direct communication, accountability, and a north-south game. The goal is to get the puck forward, pressure the opposition, and make the team play a demanding, playoff-minded style. That can be valuable, especially when a team needs to be harder to play against. But it may also change where and how often a star centre gets the puck. If the system asks Matthews to spend more energy on board battles, defensive responsibilities, or getting pucks deep, his scoring chances might look different—even if the approach helps the team in other ways.

There’s a fair case on both sides. Hiller’s style may have created more room for Matthews’ offensive creativity; Berube’s may have emphasized a tougher, more collective game over maximizing one player’s point totals. But the stat can’t prove that. Six games is a short stretch, and two big nights can loom large. Ice time, linemates, power-play chances, injuries, and the flow of those particular games matter too.

Does the Change in Production Tell Us Anything About Hiller?

So the point isn’t that Hiller is automatically the better coach, or that Berube held Matthews back. It’s that coaching style may help explain why the same star produces differently in different settings. The Nashville and Colorado games make the Hiller stretch more compelling; the tiny sample keeps the conclusion modest.

The next question is whether Matthews’ chances, role, and usage changed along with the coach. The rest of the season will show how big a difference the two coaches actually make in the long run. But so far, so good for Matthews.

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