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Maple Leafs Handed Blunt Auston Matthews Assessment: ‘Not Dominant’

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through a difficult stretch after suffering three consecutive losses: a 5-4 defeat to the Utah Mammoth on October 13, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on October 15 after taking a 4-2…

By Manuel Meza · Heavy

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 9:50 PM

Key Things to Know

Analyst Mike Augello described Auston Matthews' performance against the Islanders as "not dominant" during a 4-1 loss.
The 4-1 defeat marked the third consecutive loss for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews was held pointless with just one shot on goal after a strong nine-game, 13-point start.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Hockey analyst Mike Augello assessed that Auston Matthews delivered a "not dominant" performance in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders. Speaking on Daily Faceoff's "After Dark," Augello called the contest Matthews' first bad game of the season, noting he managed only one shot on goal as Toronto extended its losing streak to three games.

Despite the blunt review, Augello acknowledged that Matthews had been fantastic overall, recording 13 points in nine games prior to Saturday's defeat. Augello directed harsher criticism at forward Benoit-Olivier Groulx, calling him a passenger on the roster and questioning why he is playing in the NHL.

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Maple Leafs Handed Blunt Auston Matthews Assessment: ‘Not Dominant’

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