Auston Matthews, the star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been a dominant force in the NHL since his debut in 2016. With his incredible goal-scoring ability and overall offensive prowess, he has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting players to watch.
However, despite his regular-season success, Matthews has faced criticism for his playoff performance and the Maple Leafs’ inability to advance deep into the postseason.
Auston Matthews Career NHL Playoff Stats
In his 50 career playoff games, Auston Matthews has recorded an impressive 22 goals and 22 assists for a total of 44 points. His 0.62 goals per game rank fifth all-time among players with at least 300 career games.
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Plus/Minus | Penalty Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
| 2017-18 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| 2018-19 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 2020-21 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -5 | 2 |
| 2021-22 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 50 | 22 | 22 | 44 | 0 | 9 |
Some of Matthews’ notable playoff stats include:
- 9 points in 7 games during 2022 NHL Playoffs
- 10.2% career playoff shooting percentage (22 goals on 215 shots)
- Two games with three or more points
Despite these impressive numbers, Matthews has faced criticism for not consistently delivering dominant performances when it matters most.
Matthews’ best playoff performance came in the 2021-22 postseason, when he scored four goals and added five assists for nine points in seven games.
Top Playoff Performances and Games
While Auston Matthews has had his share of playoff struggles, he has also showcased his incredible talent with some memorable performances:
- Game 4, 2023 First Round vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Matthews scored two goals, including the game-winner, in a stunning comeback victory.
- Game 1, 2020 Qualifying Round vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Matthews tallied two goals and one assist in a 4-3 overtime loss.
- Game 3, 2019 First Round vs. Boston Bruins: Matthews scored two goals in a 3-2 victory.
These standout performances demonstrate Matthews’ ability to take over games and make a significant impact when his team needs him most.
Playoff History and Struggles
Despite Auston Matthews’ individual success, the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to advance deep into the playoffs during his tenure. The team has faced criticism for repeatedly falling short in high-pressure situations, with some fans and analysts questioning Matthews’ ability to lead the team to postseason success.
Some notable playoff disappointments include:
- Losing in the first round in each of Matthews’ first five seasons
- Failing to advance past the first round in the 2020 and 2021 playoffs despite being favored
- Blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 playoffs
These playoff struggles have led to questions about Matthews’ leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
Regular Season vs. Playoff Performance
One of the most significant criticisms of Auston Matthews has been the perceived drop-off in his performance from the regular season to the playoffs. While he has consistently been one of the NHL’s most dominant goal-scorers during the regular season, his playoff numbers have not always matched that level of production.
For example, in the 2021-22 season, Matthews scored an incredible 60 goals in 73 games, earning him the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. However, in the playoffs that year, he managed just four goals and five assists in seven games as the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round.
This discrepancy between regular-season and playoff performance has led some to question whether Matthews can truly be considered one of the NHL’s elite players until he proves himself on the biggest stage.
The Road Ahead
Despite the criticism and playoff disappointments, Auston Matthews remains one of the most talented and exciting players in the NHL. At just 25 years old, he still has plenty of time to cement his legacy as a playoff performer and lead the Maple Leafs to postseason success.
As the Maple Leafs continue to build around their young core of Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, the pressure will only continue to mount for the team to break through and make a deep playoff run. For Matthews, silencing his critics and delivering when it matters most will be crucial to his legacy and the Maple Leafs’ future success.
Only time will tell if Auston Matthews can overcome his playoff struggles and lead the Maple Leafs to the promised land, but one thing is certain: the hockey world will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and cement his place among the game’s all-time greats.
