1st star – Auston Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs lead superstar continues to prove he’s worth every penny of the $11.64 million he’s pulling in on an annual basis.
Matthews tallied nine goals and 17 points in 15 games while generating chances at an unmatched rate.
Matthews piled up 83 scoring opportunities in February, good for 1st in the league. Brady Tkachuk (79) and Kyle Connor (71) were the only two others to record more than 70.
It wasn’t just the individual production that stood out. Matthews also did a superb job of tilting the ice in Toronto’s favor whenever he was out there.
At 5v5, the Toronto Maple Leafs controlled 56.60% of the scoring chances.
He led the Maple Leafs in that category and the strong chance differential translated into success on the scoreboard. Matthews’ plus-3 goal differential at 5v5 was not bested by any forward on the roster.
Overall this season, with Matthews on the ice, the Leafs have gotten 56% of the dangerous chances, while scoring 60% of the total goals. Matthews has rock solid statistics in every category and is well on pace for over 50 goals.
He may not be leading the NHL in total goals, but he does have a five goal lead in 5v5 goals.