“An empty-netter”: NHL Insider criticized Auston Matthews’ prolonged 18-game goal scoring slump

Auston Matthews has been struggling to find the back of the net since late January. In his last 15 NHL games, he has scored only thrice. Including his output in the 4-Nations Tournament, his overall count is three goals in 18 games.
Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk spoke to Matthews' goal-scoring woes on Wednesday's First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo. He examined the potential causes of the slump and if the superstar forward can catch his goal-scoring form as the season goes on.

Auston Matthews has been struggling to score goals since late January, with only three goals in 15 NHL games, and three goals in 18 games if including the 4-Nations Tournament, as discussed by Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk on Wednesday's episode.
"When you look at Auston Matthews, the guy who really has not shown up for them (Leafs) in the way they expect he would show up for them, three goals in his past 15 games... only two of them (are) against goal tenders. One of them was an empty-netter." Feschuk said.

Dave Feschuk further added, "He played in what, three of the four U.S. four nations games that did not score, that's two goals against goaltenders in 18 games now, if you count the Four Nations. "
Auston Matthews, despite missing 15 games due to injuries and traveling to Germany for medical help, has performed well this season with 23 goals, 33 assists, and 56 points in 49 games, but his scoring pace has slowed since last season. Matthews, who led Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, missed a crucial game against Sweden and failed to score in three of the four games.
"We've never seen anything like this from a guy that we just got to expect to be the world's best goal scorer," Feschuk further added. "And before this season, he was the world's best goal scorer without any debate, it's hard, it's hard to know what to make, just not the same guy, just not put bucks in the net at the same rate, and that's problem too well.”
Matthews has enjoyed an impressive career, establishing himself as one of the NHL’s most elite goal scorers. His talent was evident from the start, as he won the Calder Trophy in 2017, recognizing him as the league’s top rookie.
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In 2022, he further cemented his superstar status by capturing the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. Beyond these prestigious honors, Matthews has consistently dominated the goal-scoring charts, earning multiple Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies as the league’s top goal scorer. His ability to find the back of the net with precision, power, and consistency has made him one of the most feared offensive players in the game today.