Team USA Stars Send Strong Message About Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews has become a player who has received a lot of criticism due to his play in big moments. When named captain of Team USA, fans did not understand the choice and the reasoning behind it. Just one season ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward led the Americans to a gold medal loss to Team Canada at the Four Nations Face-Off. Jake Guentzel and Zach Werenski defended Matthews in his most recent media availability.

Comments From Zach Werenski and Jake Guentzel about Auston Matthews

“He’s been great all tournament. You guys put a lot of heat on him for no reason.” “He’s just an unbelievable player and plays in all situations.” The Lightning forward expressed to Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. The doubt from others could be deemed understandable, over his previous 18 playoff games, Matthews has registered just four goals, while not producing a goal during the Four Nations Face-Off last season.

Entering Sunday’s matchup versus Germany, the Scottsdale native recorded just a goal and an assist. However, his three-point night that included two goals led the way for the Americans and was a major factor in their 5-1 win.

Following the win, USA defenceman Zach Werenski described Matthews play. “There are a lot of things he does really well. Even when he is not producing, there are things that people might not notice. Everyone is always focused on his goal scoring – and rightfully so, he is one of the best goal scorers in the world – but since we have been here, he has been such a leader for us with the way he plays the game. … He plays the right way. He is always getting chances, winning face-offs, and tonight it is nice to see him get rewarded.”

Team USA Needs Matthews at His Best

If Team USA wants a chance at securing the gold medal, they will need Matthews best in all facets of the game. Matthews leads the Americans following the preliminary round with three goals and five points. Despite the mounting criticism he received at the beginning of the tournament, Matthews has done a great job wearing the “C” thus far. 

Earning this respect from teammates and coaches is not easy and should be celebrated. Matthews will be able to use this confidence from his teammates heading into the elimination portion of the Olympic Games, as well as back in Toronto for the remainder of the season. The Leafs currently sit six points back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot. If the Maple Leafs want any chance of making the postseason, they will need Matthews to play his best hockey and be able to take over games. Performances like the one we saw on Sunday have been proven, but Leafs fans will need to see this happen far more frequently.

His Importance to the Americans and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews has been the face of USA hockey since he was drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs. Matthews currently ranks second among active American players in both goals and assists, trailing Patrick Kane in both categories. Just this past December, Matthews broke the franchise record for goals with the Maple Leafs. Matthews is arguably the best American player ever, but this honour comes with high expectations. He needs to become the game-changer everyone knows he can become.