When the Toronto Maple Leafs headed into the Christmas Break, the fan base had a collective wish: the return of the Auston Matthews of old. Questions had begun to surface regarding the Captain’s overall conditioning, fueled by a noticeable dip in production that left many concerned.
However, since emerging from the holiday break, the narrative has flipped. Matthews has been on a tear, posting 7 goals and 4 assists over his last 6 games.
This sudden offensive surge has observers wondering if this return to form is a permanent correction or a fleeting anomaly. The answer may lie in a subtle but significant deployment change made by Head Coach Craig Berube, a tweak that appears to have re-energized Matthews just in time for the playoff push.
The Penalty Kill Adjustment
The most glaring change in Matthews’ usage is his time on ice (TOI) while shorthanded.
On December 21st against the Dallas Stars, Matthews logged a season-high 3:09 on the penalty kill. Through his first 37 games, he played approximately 51 minutes down a man, averaging 1:22 per night.
Fast forward to the last seven games, and that number has plummeted. Matthews has averaged under 30 seconds per night on the penalty kill during this stretch. This reduction has allowed him to prioritize energy for even-strength dominance and powerplay production.
Auston Matthews Penalty Kill TOI Stats
Fresh Legs and Favorable Matchups
Lifting the heavy burden of the penalty kill to offer Matthews more meaningful offensive minutes is a surefire formula for success. It allows the forward to exploit favorable matchups, specifically capitalizing on moments when opposing top units are fatigued or when their best defenders head to the bench for a post-powerplay rest.
This isn’t a reinvented wheel; it mirrors the strategy Sheldon Keefe utilized for long stretches during his tenure, a proven method to maximize the superstar’s output.
Strategic Deployment: The “Power Kill”
This tactical shift doesn’t imply Matthews should never see shorthanded ice time. On the contrary, the philosophy should be about optimal usage.
Matthews is best utilized in “power kill” situations, such as when the Leafs are trailing by a goal late in a kill and need to generate sudden offense. By shifting him from a primary penalty killer to a 3rd or 4th pair option, Berube limits his grueling defensive minutes, ensuring the Captain is at his freshest when the puck is on his stick.
Tonight’s Stakes: Leafs vs. Canucks
Unlocking Matthews is the single most critical factor for a team that has faced its share of struggles this season.
The timing couldn’t be better. With William Nylander expected to return to the lineup this Saturday, a re-engaged Matthews significantly bolsters the Leafs’ chances of closing the gap in the standings. With the Vancouver Canucks in town tonight, the Leafs have a golden opportunity to leapfrog their competition and reclaim a Wild Card spot, a position they haven’t held since October.