Auston Matthews shows emotion and the Leafs are better for it

"Auston Matthews doesn't often bare his emotions in public. Neither does John Tavares or Morgan Rielly, the quiet, corporate faces of the Maple Leafs' leadership core. That changed late in the Leafs' 3-2 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. Matthews erupted after burying a late tying goal. The moment felt jarringly human and, as it turned out, essential."

"Before the match-up against Chicago, the Leafs were thoroughly outclassed in a 6-3 loss to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in front of a nationally televised audience. It had their coach and others questioning the leadership ability of their best players. For much of the game against the Blackhawks, Toronto's efforts only fueled the arguments of the naysayers. The Leafs were disengaged, sloppy, and being outplayed"

Auston Matthews, typically reserved, erupted after scoring a late tying goal, igniting a 3-2 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Leafs entered the game reeling from a 6-3 loss to Edmonton that raised questions about leadership. Toronto played disengaged and sloppy for much of the match, drawing coach Craig's ire and restless home fans. Matthews and William Nylander catalyzed a late rally, setting up Oliver Ekman-Larsson's goal and combining again on a power-play finish. Matthews’ emotional celebration cut through the team's blandness, injected urgency, and helped swing a crucial game toward victory.

Read at Editor In Leaf