Team USA unveiled their projected lines for the 4 Nation Face-Off and Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a couple of very strong line-mates with him.
With the 4 Nations Face-Off starting on Feb. 12, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is getting set to represent his country -- even if we're a bit worried that he'll get injured again.
But through all the commotion, Matthews has committed to playing and during their first practice he was given a couple of very dangerous teammates to work with.
Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes line up alongside Matthews in what is no doubt one of the tournament's most terrifying trios
Let's break down how Matthews can have a strong tournament -- and help the Maple Leafs in the process.
Auston Matthews Line Should Spark Offensive Game
For the Maple Leafs captain, goal-scoring has eluded him this stretch of the season; goalless in his last six games. But it's not for a lack of offense as he's still producing more as a playmaker.
But his pairing with the elite vision of Hughes, and the balanced game of Guentzel: It could be Auston Matthews' time.
This season, though marred with two separate stints on the IR, Matthews has managed to put up 20 goals and 25 assists in 40 games -- still very respectable numbers.
He looked all smiles as well as he took the ice for Team USA.
But this tournament doesn't offer him a break like a lot of his teammates, so he will need to ensure that a bad showing or early exit doesn't strain his confidence. Toronto can't afford a struggling Matthews at this point in the season, and need him to perform or else their already anemic scoring gets even worse.
Combined the trip have 71 goals and 93 assists so points shouldn't be hard to come by and with not the strongest goaltending in play -- it's their tournament to let loose.
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