Welcome back to The Hockey News’ NHL three stars of the week, an ongoing web feature in which we pick a trio of NHL players who had the most effect during the previous seven days. The NHL released their three picks on Monday, but here are ours: 3. Austin Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs. After a brief quiet period (by his standards), Matthews exploded this week, scoring three goals and racking up ten points in four games. The 26-year-old center has developed into an all-around threat, averaging 21:18 of ice time last week. Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe clearly trusts and relies on Matthews in every situation. He’s been a staple in our three stars series, and he had a fantastic
Matthews has 58 goals and 92 points through 69 games this season. He’s only two goals away from matching his career high of 60 goals in 2021-22. Unless something terrible happens to him, he will achieve a new personal best in goals and earn the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer. Matthews is expected to provide leadership and goal support while fellow Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is out due to injury. Once again, he has gone above and beyond what is required of ordinary NHL players.
2. JAKE OETTINGER, G, Dallas Stars Oettinger went 3-0-0 for Dallas this week, and his individual figures, which included a 2.01 goals-against average and.920 save percentage, were as good as NHL goalies had gotten in the last seven days. He missed out on the NHL’s three-star list in favor of Alex Ovechkin, but his better numbers came at a critical moment. Oettinger hasn’t had the best season, with a 2.97 GAA and.898 SP despite his strong week. But Dallas has managed to be successful in spite of those figures, and as long as the Stars round into shape by the time the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, Dallas will be a strong threat to go.
