The Toronto Maple Leafs have been a strong team this season, but one player could elevate them to new heights. That’s none other than Auston Matthews. While Matthews is no surprise to anyone, his return to form last night augurs well. He could become the unexpected X-factor the Maple Leafs need to make a deep playoff run.
Was last night a one-off, or can Matthews consistently play at this level? He certainly did so a couple of seasons ago. Now, if he could turn his season on a dime and continue to keep scoring, his production could make all the difference for his team. He has the talent. But can he?
The Concept of an X-Factor and Matthews Unlikely Presence
The concept of an X-factor refers to something unpredictable. It’s a thing or a someone that brings an additional impact to a situation that significantly reshapes the outcome. In sports, the X-factor is often a player who shifts the balance of a game, often in ways that are hard to predict or quantify.
Matthews could be precisely that for the Maple Leafs. If he could return to his Rocket Richard-winning form, he could become that key factor in the team’s success.
Matthews’ Potential as the X-Factor
In Monday’s 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames, Matthews was the driving force behind the win. He scored twice and added an assist. His all-around game also included three blocked shots and an impressive 13-of-17 success rate in the face-off circle. His leadership was the competitive edge (the X-factor) his team needed.
Coach Craig Berube praised Matthews for leading by example and noted his contagious intensity. As Berube noted, Matthews set the tone for the entire team. Matthews described the game’s playoff atmosphere, which (to him) signaled how critical he believed it was that his team play with urgency, energy, and focus.
Can Matthews Continue to Play with Consistent Focus?
Can Matthews sustain this level of play? If he can consistently do so, he could become the key to unlocking the full potential of this version of the Maple Leafs. A player of his caliber is expected to make an impact. That’s taken for granted. However, if Matthews finds his rhythm and plays like he did a couple of seasons ago, he could become the X-factor that propels Toronto to a championship.
That’s not out of the realm of possibility. The wind has to blow in the right direction. However, the team around him is stronger now than it has been. Given that, if Matthews can amp up his on-ice leadership, he could turn these Maple Leafs into an even more dangerous force.
The Bottom Line for the Maple Leafs and Matthews
The Maple Leafs have the talent and depth to make a serious playoff run, but they need someone to lead. If that someone is Matthews and he plays at his best for the full stretch, the team could put on an unprecedented run. The team’s power play has already looked sharper, thanks to Matthews’ strong presence on it, and his leadership is vital for the success of the team as a whole.
If Matthews can stay healthy and consistent, his return to elite form could be the final piece the Maple Leafs need for a deep playoff push. In the end, it could be Matthews who proves to be the X-factor that changes everything for Toronto.
Related: Berube Gives Maple Leafs a Message: Amp Up the Urgency
