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Panthers Coach Issues 'Inevitable' Auston Matthews Warning Before Game 4

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 11, 2025 8:05 AM ET

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice isn’t celebrating Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ second-round goal drought.

In fact, the Panthers' bench leader is bracing for it to end and warning the pending doubters about what's coming soon.

"When I watch the video, (Matthews) has the puck a bunch," Maurice said on Saturday. "He has the puck on his stick. I am not feeling good about it behind the bench. It doesn’t go, and I feel a lot better about it.

"It is just the opposite emotions for (Panthers forward Sam) Reinhart. He cracked the bar last night on the power play. They are playing the same game.

"It is inevitable for both players. They are both going to score."

Paul Maurice on Reinhart and Matthews:

'It's inevitable for both players. They're going to score.'

Can Paul be charged with a gambling offense if I make a bet with him on Matthews?
— Perstormance (@Perstormance) May 11, 2025

Matthews, a three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the NHL's top regular-season goal scorer, has three assists but no goals through three games in the series.

Matthews hit the crossbar early in Game 3 and set up two goals on Friday, including Morgan Rielly's game-tying one to make it 4-4 and force overtime.

The Maple Leafs are outscoring the Panthers 6-3 with Matthews on the ice, including 5-2 at even strength, per Natural Stat Trick.

Entering Sunday, Matthews ranks third among all playoff skaters in shots (32), and first in missed shots (20) with a meager 6.3 shot-percentage.

“I think he’s doing the right things,” Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies said about Matthews' approach to the game. “He’s getting looks. It’s bound to fall for him.”

Game 4 is set for Sunday in Sunrise, with the Panthers trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Maple Leafs. Puck drop is set at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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