One thing Craig Berube hasn’t witnessed in his time as head coach of the Maple Leafs is Auston Matthews on a heater.

A sometimes-injured Matthews saw his production fall last year, Berube’s first behind the bench.

But the captain, with three goals in three games, seems ready to take off. Not that anyone has noticed. With John Tavares getting career No. 500 , Scott Laughton returning to the lineup, Chris Tanev injured again , Easton Cowan getting sent to the minors , the attention has been off Matthews.

Matthews, quietly, has taken over the team lead in goals, with eight.

“He’s got more energy and life,” Berube said of Matthews. “It feels like he’s got a lot more jump in his game.” Hockey

Maple Leafs power rankings: Auston Matthews heats up while a key contributor fall

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