[Alter] Auston Matthews says he’s made it a conscious decision to be more physical this season. Had that big hit the other night that followed with an M-V-P chant.
Auston Matthews says he’s made it a conscious decision to be more physical this season. Had that big hit the other night that followed with an M-V-P chant.
— David Alter (@dalter) October 17, 2022
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[Don’t know if I’ll ever get a better use of this gif](https://media.tenor.com/YxGsoypAdpAAAAAd/anger-management-jack-nicholson.gif).
Matthews’ 14 hits second on #Leafs after 3 games (Aube-Kubel 15). Conscious decision to be more physical? “I think so. For myself, I try to make it more consistent throughout the year to be physical and lead the way in that department.”
https://twitter.com/koshtorontosun/status/1582019092877168640?t=GoG7lFG4YvH2GnZ3ykbGOg&s=19
He seemed to be throwing his weight around a lot more in the playoffs last year. He probably thought it was really fun and wants to keep it going.
Dudes on pace for 383 hits lmao would be nice to see over 200 at the end of the year
Im all for it as long as he is careful with cross checks and keeps that wrist healthy
I get the feeling that Matthews is at that skill level where dude can just choose to do what he wants in hockey and be good at it.
“Aight I’m gonna light up this guy” seems right on brand.
Marner is the same way too I think, I remember when Marner started PK’ing and I was like “this is dumb as fuck” then he ended up being god tier at it.
And my fantasy team thanks him for it!
M-V-PAPI
Is Auston the most well rounded player since Sid?
I didn’t mind Matthews being a bit shy physically the first few years. He had shoulder injuries before getting to the NHL, then I think he had 2 more in his first 2 years from hits that were hard, but not crazy.
Then a few years ago he got clipped in the head a few times (and the NHL didn’t care) so I was fine with him using his size, but not running people over.
If he feels healthy, then go for it. He always stepped up physically in the playoffs (I remember him throwing his body into Chara a fair bit) but practicing it all year round will be great. Defenders will need to be doubly aware when the first line is on the ice, whether they have the puck or not.