Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward, made a significant impact as the team secured a split of the first two road games in their Eastern Conference First Round series against the Boston Bruins. Matthews, the 2021-22 Hart Trophy recipient, had been held in check during the series opener but bounced back with a strong performance in Game 2. He notched the go-ahead goal in the third period, contributing two assists, eight shots, six hits, and winning 69.6% of his faceoffs.
Maple Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe praised Matthews’ performance, emphasizing his ability to positively influence the game through his hard work, physicality, and puck-winning abilities. Captain John Tavares also lauded Matthews, who set a career high with 69 goals during the regular season. Tavares highlighted Matthews’ drive, passion, and impact on the team, particularly in the playoffs.
Matthews’ breakaway goal with 7:54 remaining in the game proved crucial, giving Toronto a 3-2 lead. The Maple Leafs held on to break their eight-game losing streak against the Bruins. Matthews acknowledged the significance of the win, emphasizing the team’s need to stay focused and continue their momentum heading into Game 3 in Toronto.
In Game 2, David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie scored goals for the Bruins, while Linus Ullmark allowed three goals on 33 shots. Bruins’ coach Jim Montgomery commended Ullmark’s performance, highlighting his key saves. William Nylander, who suffered an undisclosed injury in the Maple Leafs’ regular-season finale, missed the first two games of the series. His availability for Game 3 remains uncertain. The Bruins will be without defenseman Andrew Peeke due to a left-hand injury sustained in Game 2.
