Auston Matthews has just three goals in his last 19 playoff games

That’s what Steve Simmons noted in his most recent article, when he explained that it takes a lot more from Matthews in the playoffs, especially when compared to other NHL superstars.

At this point in his career, Matthews is averaging 52 goals per 82 games per season.

But in the playoffs, if we take Matthews’ last 19 games, he would average 13 goals over a full season.

That’s really not enough, when a scorer like him should find a way to score either as much in the season as in the playoffs, or even more in the playoffs, when that’s when the best need to take their game up a notch.

If we take Nathan MacKinnon as an example, since the start of his career, he’s averaged 34 goals per season, but in the playoffs, he’s averaging 47 goals per 82 games.

It’s impressive how the Colorado Avalanche forward raises his game, even more so in the playoffs.

For all these reasons, Auston Matthews simply cannot be considered in the same category as the Draisaitls, McDavids, MacKinnons and Crosbys of this world.

He’ll have to perform in the playoffs, and that starts now with the Leafs’ series against the Florida Panthers, in which Matthews has yet to score once in three games.

Overtime

– Berube is doing a great job with the Leafs.

– Canada quickly creates a tie.

– MacKinnon and Horvat continue to shine at the World Championship.

– To watch tonight.

– Incredible. He’s only 17 years old.