Auston Matthews on handing over Leafs’ POTG belt to Ilya Samsonov

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs defined handing over the coveted Participant of the Sport (POTG) belt to Ilya Samsonov following the goaltender’s stellar efficiency in opposition to the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. Samsonov made 16 saves for his first victory since Dec. 9.

Matthews was fast to dispel any notion that the act was a mere charity reward, emphasizing that Samsonov’s excellent efficiency earned him the popularity.

“I don’t think it was, like, a charity gift,” stated Matthews. “You know, very well deserved. Obviously it’s been tough for him the last couple weeks, & I think tonight was a really good step in the right direction.”

Samsonov, plucked from the­ American Hockey League­ on Jan. 10, displayed fortitude in his second spherical of motion, snapping a 5­-game skid. Throughout this tough interval, he had a 5.32 goals-against common and a minimal .811 save proportion­.

Auston Matthews shines with league-leading objective

Auston Matthews showcased his scoring prowess as soon as once more, notching up his league-leading thirty eighth objective within the first interval, main the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-1 victory in opposition to the Seattle Kraken. The win ended Toronto’s Western swing on a profitable be aware.

Matthews’ fifth objective in 4 video games demonstrated his offensive brilliance. He executed a skillful transfer, deftly receiving a cross from Mitch Marner earlier than sliding the puck previous Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord’s left pad.

It marked the 57th time that Matthews opened the scoring, surpassing the legendary George Armstrong for the third-most in Toronto historical past.

Nicholas Robertson scored within the second interval, whereas Jake McCabe sealed the victory with an empty-net objective within the ultimate moments. The Leafs’ triumph propelled them again to 3rd place within the aggressive Atlantic Division.

Auston Matthews and the­ Leafs subsequent tackle the Winnipeg Je­ts on Wednesday earlier than squaring off once more three days later in Winnipeg earlier than the All-Star break.