Auston Matthews’ shift by shift at the WCH, a Men’s Fitness feature on the Nylander’s, an interview with Adam Brooks’ coach, and more to kick off your work week.
Auston Matthews shifts: Team North American vs Team Europe (Video)
All of Auston Matthews’ shifts from his 15-minutes of action versus Team Europe on Sunday night. He recorded his first point of the pretournament, an assist on Aaron Ekblad’s goal in the first period.
Adam Brooks: A Q&A with Regina Pats head coach John Paddock (MLHS)
It would be interesting for me to know all the ins [and outs] of the Leafs’ plans with that. I think it’s very intriguing. You’re always looking for the future and sometimes you probably get caught up in that 17-year-old-turning-18-year-old. You think he’s got two more years to develop and that’s the better option. I’m sure at times that is the best option, and other times those players don’t maintain that upward swing that you projected. Sometimes the 19 year old is a surer bet.
The Nylanders: The family that’s taking the ice by storm (Men’s Fitness)
Fast forward to 2014: William was taken eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two years later, Alexander was selected eighth by the Buffalo Sabres. Just like Peyton and Eli Manning, these two brothers will battle in the pros instead of the driveway. “I think it’ll be a blast,” says William of their new Eastern Conference rivalry. (Though, everer the older brother, he adds jokingly: “Of course, I beat him at everything.”)
What We Learned: Team North America is future of NHL (Yahoo! Sports)
Hockey is increasingly becoming a young man’s game. In a lot of ways, this is an issue of economics. Young players tend to be cheaper than older ones, and with more middle-aged players (that is, those in their early- to mid-20s) getting bigger contracts all the time, teams have to make cap-related adjustments.
Big first period lifts Team North America to victory (WCH2016.com)
“These young players have a lot of courage,” Team North America coach Todd McLellan said. “They want to have fun and play that way. But I’m pretty sure if we get moving along in the tournament and give up four goals a night, we’re not going to have success. For as fast as we are transitioning, sometimes when we turn the puck over, we’re going so fast it’s hard to get going back the other way.”
Trevor Moore and the quality of his NCAA experience (PPP)
At the end of all of this, I think Moore’s uncharacteristically low shooting percentage last year mitigates what you can learn from his points more than his usage affects how I see him. He may find average QOC in the AHL to be one very tough levelling up from the NCAA, but he has proven the best defenders in the NCAA don’t stop him.
Maple Leafs GM ‘not surprised’ by Auston Matthews’ strong play at World Cup (Toronto Star)
“We had an indication of what he was capable of doing in the world championships (in May),” said Lamoriello. “There were questions going into the world championships, just because of his youth. He did well there. I’m really not surprised at what he’s done with his peers, as far as his age group. He’s just going to get better and better.”
Peter Chiarelli on Auston Matthews
It’s obviously a small sample size, but what’s your assessment of Auston Matthews after two games?
Peter Chiarelli: Very positive. He’s getting better everyday. He makes plays. He’s strong. He can really shoot the puck. His hands and stick skills are terrific, and he’s a good kid who plays a two-way game. I’ve been impressed with him.
