The forwards didn’t have the type of playoff series they wanted to in 2018. If they don’t step up this playoff season, the Maple Leafs will be in trouble. Auston Matthews’ struggles against Boston last season could be partly contributed to the injuries he suffered during the year. By all accounts, Matthews seems to be fully recovered from his injuries and played some great hockey down the stretch.
Matthews did not have at very strong showing in the 2018 series against the Bruins. He scored a single goal, and looked like a shadow of himself.