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Auston Matthews Comments On His Play Amid Embarrassing Second Round Against the Panthers

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 12, 2025 10:52 AM ET

After a disastrous game by the Leafs last night vs. the Panthers, team captain Auston Matthews talked to reporters about his struggles in the entire second round.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were shut out 2-0 by the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series, a troubling trend for an offence-first club.

When the Leafs are unable to score, focus naturally shifts to star winger Auston Matthews, who is still waiting to score his first goal of this series.

'A little bit. I mean, the chances have been there,' Matthews said following the Game 4 loss. 'I think I've just got to do a better job of bearing down on some of them. But I think for the most part, throughout the four games, we've been winning shifts, generating chances against tough matchups. But obviously, you want to score, I want to score. But continue to get these opportunities and just capitalize and go from there.'

Although he has scored only twice in 10 playoff games, Matthews has been active, as he has a tournament-high 23 missed shots, a sign that the opportunities are there, but the finish is not.

Matthews has not been taking part in full practices, leaving injury concerns lingering

His inability to take part in full practices of late leaves one wondering whether injury, and not just bad luck, is at play.

In Game 4, three of Matthews' seven shots at the net were off target. Although he has otherwise been productive, on the ice for five goals for and only two against at 5-on-5, his team desperately needs him to do what he does best: score.

Meanwhile, William Nylander has carried the offensive load with six goals and 15 points, and captain John Tavares has added five goals of his own. Matthews still ranks third on the team in points with 10, but goals have always been his calling card.

Tied 2-2 with the series heading back to Toronto, the Leafs need their top scorer to break through before time runs out.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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