Auston Matthews just made history. The Toronto Maple Leafs star led Team USA to its first Olympic hockey gold medal in 44 years, ending a drought that stretched back to the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
Matthews was absolutely dominant in Milan Cortina, racking up seven points with three goals and four assists during the Americans’ incredible run.
“I think it doesn’t matter what anyone says now, Auston Matthews is a winner,” said Jack Hughes, who scored the dramatic overtime goal that sealed Team USA’s 2-1 victory over Canada in the gold medal game.
It’s a career-defining moment for Matthews, who’s been chasing that elusive big win.
But some Toronto fans aren’t completely satisfied. They’re still waiting for him to end an even longer drought – the Maple Leafs haven’t lifted the Stanley Cup since 1967.
Could this Olympic triumph be exactly what Matthews needs to finally get Toronto over the hump?
His teammates sure think so. “You get the taste of winning and whatever it takes. Bounces. Luck. That’s what you take with you,” said Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who just returned from playing for Sweden at the Games. “You feed off and build off it.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Toronto. They’re in a really tough spot right now, tied with Ottawa for sixth place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points. They’re currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
The numbers aren’t pretty either. MoneyPuck gives the Leafs just a 10% chance of making the postseason.
“Hopefully it just brings that jam and that winning mentality here,” said teammate Matthew Knies. “He’s been playing this whole break, so I think he’s obviously ready and can jump right back in to give us a boost.”
The Leafs desperately need that boost. And if Matthews can channel his Olympic success into leading Toronto to the playoffs, he might just silence his critics for good.
