‘Auston Matthews is a winner’: Hughes brothers praise American captain
It can no longer be said that Auston Matthews can’t win the big game. The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar captained the United States men’s hockey team to an Olympic gold medal Sunday, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime.
Much like his long-time Toronto running mate Mitch Marner, who now plays for the Vegas Golden Knights, Matthews had developed the reputation as a great player that comes up small in the biggest moments. Despite nine straight postseason appearances with the Leafs, Matthews has yet to advance beyond the second round of the NHL playoffs. Over six Game 7s in his career, he has zero goals and three assists.
Leafs fans might not like the situation in which he did it, but Matthews finally won the big one on Sunday, showing he has what it takes to be a champion at the highest level.
When asked after the game if this Olympic gold will give him greater confidence for the rest of his career, Matthews gave a typically anodyne response.
“I’m trying to live in the moment,” he said.
Matthews’ teammates, specifically Quinn and Jack Hughes, were far less modest when talking about their Olympic captain.
“Doesn’t matter what anyone says now,” interjected Jack Hughes during Matthews’ interview. “Auston Matthews is a winner.”
Quinn Hughes, who was named the tournament’s best defenseman, was also quick to give Matthews his kudos, and offer some friendly advice to Toronto’s hockey media at the same time.
“That’s what the media in Toronto should be talking about,” he said. “Auston led us to a championship.”
Matthews on how winning will help him moving forward: "I'm trying to live in the moment" Jack Hughes interjects: "Doesn't matter what anyone says now Auston Matthews is a winner." Quinn: "That's what the media in Toronto should be talking about. Auston led us to a championship"
Matthews earned an assist on the United States’ lone goal in regulation, scored on a ridiculous rush by Matt Boldy in the first period. The 2016 first-overall pick had a strong tournament, putting up three goals and four assists for seven points in six games.