Auston Matthews (Mark LoMoglio, Getty Images)
Auston Matthews' historic night established him as the league's Hart Trophy favourite and his team as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Here are my 5 takeaways as the Leafs dispatched the back-to-back Cup champs on the road.
1. Matthews is a Mutant
It's official. Though we all knew that this would probably be the best individual season by a Leaf ever, Matthews' dominant hat-trick was the nail in the coffin. Auston Matthews in 2021-22 is an utter force on par with prime Mario Lemieux. The company that Matthews is joining currently is a group of the best players in NHL history. He really is that good.
In Matthews' last 82 games, he has 71 goals. Are you kidding me??? That's not even fair. All Matthews needs to do is score 3 goals in his next 3 games to go for 50 in 50. In 2022, to score 50 goals in 50 games is just out of this world. Most people I talk to never expected a stretch like this in their lifetimes, but Matthews is doing it right in front of us.
He has scored 3.38 points-per-60 this campaign. He has elite defensive numbers and would be a top-3 Selke Trophy candidate if he played more on the penalty kill. Sure, Mitch Marner deserves so much credit for Matthews' excellent year, but at the end of the day, it's not Marner who is about to break a record that has lasted for 40 years. It's Auston Matthews.
Playoff success needs to come about for this guy. What Matthews has done in his brief NHL career so far calls for an immediate Hall of Fame candidacy. If he can continue this pace and also win in the postseason, he may be considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. It's not hyperbole. We are really witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime hockey player.
2. Muzzin's Return Complicates Things
Frankly, after Toronto's defensive struggles in February, the last thing I would have said is "I'm not sure we need Jake Muzzin back." But I'm not sure we need Jake Muzzin back. Toronto's dynamic offense in the last week and a half has been the standout for the team, but the defense has been so awesome as well.
Since Mark Giordano's arrival in Toronto, the defensive lapses are limited. The high-danger chances have been cut down. The goaltenders are having an easier job. But it's not just the stars on the blueline that are preventing chances.
Guys like Ilya Lyubushkin, Timothy Liljegren and Justin Holl have all been very impactful players recently. For goodness' sake, Timothy Liljegren leads all NHL defensemen in xGF%.
As unfair as it is, the last time I saw Jake Muzzin, he was a shell of his former physical self and he was getting dominated by the Montreal Canadiens. I'm not saying that Jake Muzzin is worse than a player like Liljegren or Holl. All I'm saying is that I'm not sure that Toronto's defense is as effective with Muzzin on the ice instead of any of those defensemen that I listed.
Muzzin will be playing in Florida tonight and you can bet all your money that my eyes will be focused on how well Muzzin plays. Maybe he needed a nice break and some rehabilitation to get back to his best. It's going to be the biggest storyline of tonight's game.
3. Campbell Looks Back to his Best
I know that it's only been two games, but Jack Campbell already looks like he's eased out some of the 2022 concerns. After returning from a rib injury, his mobility looks much better. The improved team defense is assuring that he faces less tip-ins, which have been the types of shots that he has struggled with throughout his NHL career. His confidence is at an all-time high with a wonderful offense giving him run support.
This Leafs team looked scary when they had an inconsistent Petr Mrazek and a young Erik Kallgren manning the crease. With Jack Campbell looking as good as he was when I named him a top-35 player in the NHL, they could be downright deadly. Obviously, goalies are voodoo and Campbell in particular seems to be very fluctuating with his play. However, if Campbell can get back to his November 2021 form, this Leafs team could be one of the Stanley Cup favourites.
4. My Belief is Climbing
Stop giving me hope, Leafs. It's way easier to cheer for the Leafs when I know that they are going out in the first round. Sure, it's less enjoyable, but it means that it will hurt less when they lose in the playoffs. Now, a dynamic offense, improved defense and really fun goalie are starting to make me believe in this team.
I'm obviously worried that a first-round exit looms, in large part due to Toronto's brutal struggles in the playoffs and the absolutely deadly Eastern Conference this year.
However, this is a different team. They have the league's best player, so they'll be able to outscore some of the best squads in the entire league.
Don't hurt me, Toronto.
5. No Concern with Tampa Bay
Despite some struggles in March for the Lightning, my verdict is that they are still going to dominate in the playoffs. I'd hate to face them in the first round. They have incredible forward depth, a bona fide Norris Trophy candidate and the most consistent goaltender in the NHL. Their first line currently is Steven Stamkos-Brayden Point-Nikita Kucherov. That's disgusting.
I can't say with any confidence that this is the end of Tampa Bay's mini-dynasty. They'll still be dominant when push comes to shove. Write off Jon Cooper's team at your own risk.
ALL STATS COURTESY OF MONEYPUCK AND NATURAL STAT TRICK
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