Auston Matthews Paces 54 Goals in 14-Game NHL Stretch

Toronto captain Auston Matthews is scoring at a pace of 54 goals and 120 points after 14 games in the 2026-27 season. The 29-year-old center has nine goals in that span, a marked improvement from two seasons of lower production. NHL Edge data indicates his skating speed has increased, with his 20-22 mph bursts moving from the 52nd to the 68th percentile. His 18-20 mph bursts jumped from the 72nd to the 93rd percentile. Matthews is also applying more pressure on the forecheck to force turnovers.

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson is producing at roughly one point per game under a new coaching staff. He has matched his total power-play goals from last season and ranks in the top five among NHL forwards for blocked shots. Pettersson has drawn penalties at an elite rate despite facing trade interest over the previous two seasons.

Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark ranked second in the league behind Jake Oettinger at 8.4 goals above expected according to MoneyPuck before an injury. Ullmark is expected to return within the next week. The team relies on him to restore performance levels that have dropped sharply with Samuel Ersson in net.

New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko, known here as Lafreniere, is earning top-line minutes at about 19 per game. With Artemi Panarin off the roster, Lafreniere is creating chances through more assertive play and improved zone entries. His shooting percentage is expected to decrease as the season progresses.

Toronto forward Mason Cowan has moved from the third line to play alongside Matthews and Jack Roslovic under coach Jim Hiller. He has recorded six goals and 13 points in 14 games. That total is roughly half of his rookie season output of 11 goals and 29 points. Cowan now ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for speed in all three burst categories.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov leads his team in points with eight goals in 14 games. He arrived at camp in peak physical condition and has equaled his previous power-play goal total. A 30-goal season is a realistic projection if his shooting percentage normalizes. St. Louis Blues forward Jake McTavish is on pace for career highs of 22 goals and 52 points while sitting in the 97th percentile for high-danger shots. Edmonton Oilers forward Konstantin Barulin, referred to as Podkolzin, is on pace for more than 50 goals and 90 points while playing nearly 20 minutes per game.