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Toronto Maple Leafs Week 6 News and Notes, Stats and Quotes

By William Cann

Feb 10, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen(31) makes a save during the first period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen(31) makes a save during the first period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 6: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs . (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Player of the week:  Austin Matthews

This is probably the easiest choice I’ll ever have to make for player of the week.

The two goals that Matthews scored in Montreal brought his season total to 18 goals in 18 games.  I’m not sure what else I’m supposed to write after typing that sentence, but I’ll give it a go anyway.  In five games during this two week stretch, Matthews had 7 goals and 6 assists.  His production is absolutely bonkers.

Marner has been great, without a doubt, but Matthews is scoring goals at a rate not seen since the early 90’s.  The last time a player scored goals at a rate that was even close to this was Pavel Bure in 1999-2000 and Alex Ovechkin in 2007-2008.  Both of them scored at a rate of .78-.79 goals per game.  Matthews is currently destroying that rate.

Matthews also plays center against top competition every night, and his 200 ft game is dominating other teams.  He’s carrying this team right now.  The guy is forcing his name into the conversation for the Hart and he may even be the leading candidate due to the success the Leafs are having as a team.

No Leaf in history has been able to score the way he does.  We are watching the evolution of what could end up being the greatest Leaf of all time.  Please enjoy this.

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