NHL Playoffs: Auston Matthews Under Scrutiny as Goal-Scoring Slump Continues

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ chances of advancing in the 2025 NHL playoffs took a hit on Sunday night as they lost 2-0 to the Florida Panthers in Game 4. The team’s captain, Auston Matthews, has come under intense scrutiny for his lack of goal-scoring production, with many wondering if he can regain his 60-goal form to lead the team to victory. The Leafs were within striking distance throughout the game but failed to find the equalizer, fueling speculation about Matthews’ offensive production.

What’s notable is that 16 players who are no longer in the 2025 NHL playoffs, due to their teams’ elimination, have scored more goals than Auston Matthews. This list includes notable players such as Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, who has 7 goals, and Matt Boldy of the Minnesota Wild, who has 5 goals. Other players like Jordan Kyrou, Quinton Byfield, and Cole Caufield have also outscored Matthews, with 3 goals each.

Despite his lack of goal-scoring, Matthews remains a productive player offensively, with 10 points in 10 games, making him a point-per-game player. However, his production has dipped somewhat during the series against the Panthers, with just three assists in the four games thus far. The last time Matthews found the back of the net was in Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators, further fueling concerns about his lack of offensive production.

The Maple Leafs will be hoping Matthews can regain his scoring touch in Game 5 on Wednesday night, as Toronto looks to take a 3-2 series lead back to Florida for Game 6. With William Nylander currently second among active players with six goals, behind Dallas Stars sniper Mikko Rantanen who leads with nine, the pressure is on Matthews to step up his game.

As the series continues, all eyes will be on Auston Matthews to see if he can channel his 60-goal magic and lead the Maple Leafs to victory. The team’s fate, and Matthews’ reputation as a top player, hang in the balance. Can he rise to the challenge and carry the Leafs on his back, or will his goal-scoring slump continue to haunt the team? Only time will tell.