The reason for Auston Matthews' slow start to the season has been revealed
An analyst covering the Toronto Maple Leafs believes Craig Berube is directly responsible for Auston Matthews' slow start.
The new Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has scored five goals in 13 games this season. It's hard to say that he's on the same level as last year, where he tallied 11 goals in the same amount of games.
While some speak of a slump, others are criticizing Craig Berube for the way he uses Matthews.
On X, a user shared interesting details. He pointed out that this season, Matthews has much more defensive responsibilities. In the first 13 games of last year, under Sheldon Keefe, Matthews was entrusted with 14 defensive zone faceoffs on even strength and 17:40 minutes on the ice at 4-on-5. This year, with Berube as coach, he was used on 29 defensive zone faceoffs and 27:12 at 4-on-5 in 13 games.
Matthews is good on both sides of the ice. However, if the coach gives him more defensive responsibilities, his offensive production is expected to take a hit.
Even if Matthews scores fewer goals this year, he stepped up on other areas of his game. Seeing him become a complete player and a great leader is a privilege.
He may have only scored five goals this year, but he remains involved in the game, stepping up for teammates when they need him and owning his mistakes when he has to.
