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Toronto Maple Leafs: Three Takeaways From Centennial Classic Win

By Eduardo Razo

Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthews On The Cusp of Elite Status

Back in November, Mike Babcock threw out the statement of Matthews becoming a dominant center by Christmas. Well, that holiday has come and gone, so has the 19-year-old entered that dominant center status?

In short answer form, yes and his performance at the Centennial Classic provides an example of his growth. Throughout the season, he has displayed flashes of having an elite two-way game. After putting his goal drought behind him, these last few weeks have given the indication that he has arrived.

Against Detroit, he showed his elite scoring ability, giving him 20 goals in 36 games. Last season PA Parenteau led Toronto with 20 goals for an entire season, Matthews has eclipsed that. Furthermore, he leaps over Patrik Laine for the rookie scoring lead with 32 points.

Also, with his two goals, he now sits in second place with Jeff Carter for the league lead in goals. If he continues at this pace, the projection will be over 40 goals, which will put him in elite company. In the history of the NHL, only five players (Wayne Gretzky, Dale Hawerchuk, Mario Lemieux, Eric Lindros, and Sylvain Turgeon) have scored 40 or more goals as a teenager.

If Matthews has not become an elite center, then he is close to it.

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