Craig Berube Comments On Auston Matthews' Inability To Finish His Scoring Chances
With Auston Matthews still not able to get back to his previous form, head coach Craig Berube has some insights into his captain's lack of offensive production.
Auston Matthews returned to the lineup on Nov. 30 and while he's been able to score 8 points since coming back, he hasn't been the goal-scoring phenom as in years past.
It's a bit worrying for Maple Leafs fans as they wonder if if his injury issues are truly behind him and if he doesn't pick things up then the team could be in serious trouble.
However one person who isn't too worried is Matthews' head coach Craig Berube. When asked about Matthews' lack of production, the bench boss was more focused on everything else the captain brings to the ice:
He is playing good hockey. He is playing 200 feet defensively, winning faceoffs, and killing penalties.
He is doing a lot of good stuff for the team. Yes, we need him to produce, and he will. Sometimes, they don't go in, but he is getting the looks.
He is taking pucks to the net hard. He is playing a physical game.
It is 200 feet. He plays against top lines on the other team, penalty kills, and plays key situations in our own end. He is doing a lot of good stuff.
I get we need him to score, but I am not concerned about it. It will go in.»
Auston Matthews Is Playing A More Complete Game
While fans may find it frustrating that Matthews isn't playing to the level they expect of him, the fact he's becoming more than just a one-trick pony is only good news for the team.
Craig Berube was not shy earlier about adding more defense to Matthews' arsenal, and so far he's done just that.
Matthews is blocking more shots, winning a high number of faceoffs, and has great defensive metrics on the penalty kill.
Matthews also has a bit of bad luck when it comes to his goal output, as the Leafs captain has a propensity to be too accurate at times and hit more goalposts leading to those opportunities technically even not counting.
So far this season he has 9 goals on 85 shots, and while that only translates to a 10.6 shooting percentage; his lowest ever, he also missed nine games which could have easily led to a handful of goals in that span.
Toronto needs Matthews to score, sure. But they also need their captain to lead by example and play a complete game of hockey from end to end.
Craig Berube isn't going to let him off the hook, but if Matthews' strong defense earns him more chances at the other end, the change will have been worth it.
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