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3 Key Takeaways After Toronto Maple Leafs First 3 Games

By Stephen Nixon

Oct 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates scoring his third goal of the game against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates scoring his third goal of the game against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews Has Something to Prove
Oct 14, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Auston Matthews Is Unstoppable

With six goals in three games, Matthews has been virtually unstoppable thus far.

Even though he didn’t score against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3, he had numerous chances and looks primed for a huge season.

In fact, against the Blackhawks, after scoring six goals in his first two games, he had eight shots and 18 shot-attempts – which is a crazy amount for one player in one game.

I wrote that Matthews has a chance to score 80 goals this year, which I know is insane, but if anyone can do it, it’s him. He seems like the type of player that isn’t happy with six goals in three games and probably thinks he should have more.

It’s like the golfer who shoots a five-under-par 67, but after the round goes “I left a few out there, probably should have shot 64 today.”

Even though he’s playing at a high-rate, I don’t think he’ll be satisfied until he not only wins the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy again, but is also in contention for the Hart Trophy.

Individual awards don’t mean anything when it comes to winning a Stanley Cup, but Matthews looks more mature and ready to put the team on his back this season.

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