Hiller praises Matthews’s play and leadership after four-point night
Toronto’s coach sees more than an overtime winner as Auston Matthews sets the tone on and off the ice.
Auston Matthews is drawing praise for his play and leadership early in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ season. Coach Jim Hiller said the captain’s performance against Nashville on Tuesday stood out beyond the overtime goal that completed a four-point night.
Matthews had a goal and three assists in Toronto’s 5-4 win. Hiller pointed to his work throughout the game, saying the performance was about more than the winning shot: “Just his game start to finish.” William Nylander also praised Matthews’s puck battles and ability to generate offence.
Hiller, who worked with Matthews earlier in his career as a Toronto assistant, said he had long seen the potential for Matthews to lead the club as captain. The coach described his leadership this season as “everything I could’ve hoped for.”
According to NHL.com’s report, Matthews hosted teammates and management at his Arizona home during a team trip before the regular season. He also led teammates onto the ice for Sunday’s optional practice.
At the start of training camp, Matthews said he liked the personnel changes made by general manager John Chayka. Toronto also brought in Mats Sundin as a senior advisor and Hiller as coach.
The Maple Leafs are 2-2-0 after four games. Their next test is a three-game road trip, beginning Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights, followed by Colorado on Saturday and Utah on Tuesday.
