‘He’s Driving The Bus’: Captain Auston Matthews Impressively Leads The Way As Maple Leafs Snap Slump With Dominant Win Over Flames

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews delivered arguably his best performance of the season when his team needed it most, leading the charge in a commanding 6-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.

The Leafs had been struggling, losing five of their last six games and slipping out of rhythm over the past several weeks. But Matthews stepped up in a big way at Scotiabank Arena on Saint Patrick’s Day, scoring two goals, adding an assist, and registering five shots on goal.

His three points all came on the power play, and he contributed defensively with three blocked shots. It was a complete performance from the leader of a team desperate for a statement win.

“That's your leader, right? Led the way for me. Led the way with effort, competitiveness, and just work,” said head coach Craig Berube post-game.

Matthews’ two goals in the second frame marked his 36th career multi-goal period, passing Darryl Sittler (35) for the most in Maple Leafs franchise history. It was his first multi-goal game in 21 contests and just his third of the season.

His recent struggles – just two goals in nine games leading into Saturday’s matchup against Ottawa – had been a concern. But with three goals in his last two outings, Matthews is starting to heat up at the perfect time.

The 27-year-old now has 26 goals, 34 assists, and 60 points in 52 games.

“He's a competitor. Every game he's coming to compete, and I think it kind of went his way today,” said teammate Nick Robertson. “Again, he's one of the most reliable players on our team, and he showed up today.”

The Leafs’ special teams were a key point to the team’s success on Monday night, going a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play while killing off all four opportunities on the man advantage for the Flames.

Matthews’ two power-play goals were his first in a single game since November 6, 2021, against the Boston Bruins.

“We got into different looks and just an attack mentality. Moving the puck good, guys are moving on the spots. It was a big part of the game tonight,” said Matthews. “It was good on us to capitalize on that and gain some of the momentum. Especially after it was 1-1 there for a little bit. I thought we were all playing them and playing a good game. Special teams came to play.”

The Leafs have now scored 12 goals in two meetings with the Flames this season. More importantly, they earned their 40th win of the year and climbed to within two points of the Atlantic Division-leading Florida Panthers, with a game in hand.

“I thought tonight was a good step in the right direction for us. We know this week's going to be a challenging one. We're playing some good teams,” Matthews explained. So, you've got to enjoy this. It's not easy to win, especially when you're going through adversity. So, you'll enjoy this, and we'll be ready for a really good team coming in here on Wednesday and just try to keep this one going.”

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This type of performance was much-needed for the Leafs and Matthews.

And Max Domi was full of praise for his captain after the game.

“He's the man, honestly. He battles through. He's probably the hardest-working guy I've ever played with in my whole career, and I've played with a lot of guys. So he's driving the bus for sure. It's tough not to jump on board with a guy like that,” said Domi.

“As talented as he is, you see him tracking back and then turning pucks over and stripping guys and taking guys one-on-three down low and coming out with the puck somehow. Obviously, the goal-scoring speaks for itself, but it's all the other stuff and how he handles himself in here. Like I said, he's driving the bus, and I've said it from day one. He's my favorite player to watch, my favorite player to play with, and the best player in the world. So, I love him to death, and he's doing a great job,” he added.

The former No. 1 overall pick was all over the ice and his presence was undeniable, dictating play in all three zones and helping the Leafs pull away in the second period by converting on crucial opportunities.

“You want your leaders to step up in those moments in a big bounce-back game like this. And he's the best player out there,” said goaltender Joseph Woll. “He's usually the best player out there. He's a very good player. It's great to see your leaders like that and the forwards as a group today get that kind of production.”

'It Weighs On Everybody': Auston Matthews Takes Maple Leafs' Morning Skate Off Amid Scoring Struggles Matthews has scored 23 goals in 50 games this season, well below last year's total.

Now, the challenge is building on this momentum as they look ahead to their next test with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

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