I’m sure everyone can remember growing up watching hockey and had your favorite players that you loved watching, even if they were not on your favorite team. One of mine was Steve Yzerman, such great skill, leadership and always came through in the clutch. Whatever your reasons were or whichever player’s you looked up to, imagine getting to play at the All-Star game with them in your rookie season. What a thrilling experience it would be; that’s exactly what Matthews will be soaking in over the weekend in Los Angeles when he represents the Maple Leafs.
Matthews, just like most of us grew up watching the All-Star weekend game and events. The truth is, I’m not a huge fan of the actual game itself but I do enjoy the skills competition and the sportsmanship shown between the players as they enjoy each other’s company and some laughs.
Auston too enjoys the skills competition, specifically the breakaway challenge, hardest shot and the accuracy sniping challenge.
It was always exciting, especially the couple years when Ovechkin ran the show in the Breakaway Challenge with the different stuff he brought out."
"It's a huge honor to be in the same sentence as a lot of those players I've grown up watching for quite some time now," Matthews said. "It's unbelievable. I'm very excited but it's definitely a huge honor."
Obviously Matthews is pumped up to meet some of the best players in the league, he’s a teenager after all. As poised and calm as Auston has been for the Leafs this season, he will certainly be in like a kid in a candy store when out on the ice frolicking with the NHL’s best players.
I’m happy for him; this is not only a big moment for us Leafs fans, but a very rewarding time for Matthews as he has been phenomenal for Toronto with his production and leadership. It’s been said by many players that Toronto is a difficult place to play, Auston has exceeded many people’s expectations and without question this won’t be his last All-Star appearance. Leafs Coach Mike Babcock is also excited for Matthews as he knows this is a big moment for the youngster.
"Auston knows he's a good player, and we expect it to be one of many All-Star games he gets to go to," Babcock said. "In saying all that, anytime you're around the best players, I think that's a positive thing. The confidence you gain from that, being around the best guys, I think is important as well. He's on a fast track. He's a good young man, a good player and it's going to be apparent to the whole league shortly."
Mike Babcock was able to see into the future when the season begun, he saw Matthews every day at practice and what skills he brought to the table. He was vocal that Matthews would be dominant by Christmas (2016) and by golly he was right. It’s amazing when you really think about it for a second. Matthews is putting up these numbers with Connor Brown and Zach Hyman who are also rookies.
The line works wonders as Hyman is an absolute fore checking machine and more often than not comes out of the corner with the puck. The Leafs fore check on this line is deadly as both Brown and Hyman dig hard and leave it all on the ice each and every shift. Matthews is then able to be in position to capitalize on scoring chances in the slot or finding open ice. Brown actually has excellent hands, very under rated. He’s also able to capitalize on scoring opportunities if Matthews decides to dish it off.
Babcock has done an ace job at spreading out the talent through his lineup where each line can bring an element of speed, grit and skill.
Enjoy watching Matthews in this All-Star Weekend.
I for one will be counting down the days until the next Leafs game. Let’s keep the ball rolling!
Have a great day and enjoy your weekend.
Thanks for reading.