TSN SportsCentre Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Toronto Maple Leafs, who held a team meeting at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
Auston Matthews scored just one goal through the first seven games of the season and it was on a deflection.
"Sometimes when you're on streaks where you feel a bit snakebitten. It's almost like, 'Am I ever going to see the puck go in the net again?' But it just takes one to reset," the two time Rocket Richard Trophy winner said. "I try not to think like that, but obviously it's tough when you go through a bit of a stretch like that."
Matthews finally delivered a trademark tally on Thursday night in San Jose. Now, the Leafs hope the dam will burst.
"Confidence is never an issue, I don't think, for Auston, but it's more so relief, I guess, is the big thing," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "I don't think he was too worked up about it, but it's pretty natural to be a little more tense than normal ... Auston's been producing a lot of opportunities here on this trip, and it's good to see one go in for him."
Matthews fired a game high seven shots on net on Thursday. He's up to 40 shots this season, which means he's converting just five per cent of the time. His career average is 16.1.
"Producing for our team is a big part of what he does," noted Keefe. "It's a big moment in the game, and he comes through for us there, and I know that that would help him relax a little bit."
The third-period strike by Matthews tied the score and secured a point for the Leafs, who fell in overtime.
"It always feels good to see the puck go on the net," the 25-year-old centre said. "Getting a lot of good looks, good chances in the last couple games, so want to continue to get those chances and make good on them."
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Matthews' goal on Thursday came from high up in the zone on the power play. He led the team with 16 man-advantage markers last season while spending most of the time on the flanks.
"It's just good to give a different look," Matthews explained. "I feel like a lot of times I'm kind of just getting sat on so I think it's important to get us moving around and try to generate different looks to keep them guessing a little more."
The one-time blast had the bench buzzing.
"That's a shot," forward Calle Jarnkrok said in amazement. "I wish I had that shot ... He had his looks every game. He finally scored one last game and hopefully he can keep doing that."