Auston MatthewsWhen asked by EA Sports about his “X-Factor”, he remained coy.
“I will make a wild guess that I have a chance in this game. The possibility of some great goal-scoring skills.” Toronto Maple LeafsCenter, Who last Season led the NHL in goalsFor the first time during his career of five years.
Matthews, who is also the NHL 22 cover artist after being featured on the NHL 20 covers, has made it the second time Matthews has appeared in the EA Sports box. Matthews, a young star who has scored just 41 goals in 52 league games, is the perfect choice for a game that separates the stars from the rest.
“I believe it’s a great cover. It’s not often that you get the chance to cover a videogame. He told ESPN that he considers himself very lucky. It’s going be an amazing game, I think.
NHL 22 is a new league that EA Sports created to give the best players in the league more than just their ability scores. There are two levels of ability: the “zone” and the “superstar”. These abilities are reserved for elite players with game-changing talents. Only one of these “zone” abilities is available to every player. These “superstar” abilities have less power and are given to around 100 players. The abilities range from improved shots and passes to being able sneak a puck past screens to the goaltender.
Clement Kwong, NHL 22 producer said that “we’re trying to recreate superstars in an authentic hockey way.”
Matthews’ zone ability is called “Shock & Awe.” The zone ability is called “Shock & Awe” and aims to imitate Matthews’ exceptional power and precision when shooting from a deke maneuver, using his curl shot and drag shot. Digital defenders must be aware that Matthews is on the edge, just like the real thing.
Same goes for Edmonton OilersStar Leon DraisaitlThe video game proxy for, who is able to use the Tape To Tape zone ability and makes remarkable passes with his vision. These exceptional qualities extend to defense players, too: Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei VasilevskiyThe “Contortionist zone” ability allows for him to perform “impossible saves” during the game.
“I only picture [Connor] McDavidIt was so easy to skate by everybody in this game. Matthews stated, “I cannot wait to see it.”
The NHL 22 NHL cover athlete spoke recently to us about gaming (both on Nintendo and on chess boards); another Maple Leafs’ playoff catastrophe; and whether or not he is part of Justin Bieber’s entourage.
ESPN: Your interest is in the growth of the NHL’s fan base. Is video gaming one of these ways? Are you one of the guys who got into FIFA soccer?
MatthewsI have a bit. A little bit. While I am not a great gamer, it is something I really enjoy. [EA Sports’]NHL was a sport I enjoyed and looked forward every Christmas to. A little FIFA was all I ever did once in a while. It gives you that itch to try the sport. It’s not clear if I should be doing that much, however. [Laughs]
Along with my Nintendo Switch, I will bring it along on the road. In fact, this was the first year that I started playing chess from the plane. I’m trying to get better at it. It’s a great game. For some reason, I had a huge chess bug in this year.
ESPN: Are you an “Queen’s Gambit” binger?
Matthews [Laughs]That’s right. That show is amazing. This is how things work. This is how I became interested in it. There are phases when you just want to play video games, and then you feel like you need to play chess. I was able to play a bit with the boys. I and [former Leafs goalie] Freddie AndersenThe two of us hung out often and played against one other quite a lot. It was not a good idea to play at [center]. Alex] KerfootBecause I am sure he attended Harvard and would be able to beat me.
ESPN: Please tell me about your offseason. Was Justin Bieber in your entourage? UFC 264Which?
Matthews [Laughs]He was definitely in mine. However, he did come down to Phoenix and I have to admit that he was much more at home in my house. He came down and stayed at my place. There were my friends and other stuff. He is a great guy. His character is excellent and we had lots of laughs together.
ESPN: If you are awarded the Rocket Richard Trophy as last year, how do you preserve it?
MatthewsIt’ll be at my parent’s house. There’s a small room that has jerseys from all my teams, along with awards. My sister’s stuff for golf is also there. It will be passed to them, and they are free to do whatever they like with it. Each time I walk over, there’s something different in that space.
My dad used to have all the stuff, but I returned home one summer and my father took my stuff from his office. He decided that he would put my stuff there. His hunting passion led him to put his hunting gear in that room and designate another space in the house for me. That was all I did. They were probably happy.
ESPN: Have you tried to bond with your father and went hunting?
MatthewsYes, that was something I did when I was younger. When I went out, there were a few snakes. For me, that was it.
ESPN: This sounds like an “growing up” issue.
MatthewsThis was the truth.
ESPN: A moment of focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was clearly another disappointing playoff result. It was another disappointing playoff result. Montreal CanadiensYou were eliminated in seven of the eight games by the team called. This team went all the the way to the Stanley Cup Final. You lost in seven games. John TavaresYou can also visit our website at scary injuryIt was. It was easier than previous losses.
MatthewsIn that sense, no, it was indeed harder. It can be difficult and frustrating. Right now, it’s really frustrating. While people have their opinions, they are entitled to say whatever they wish, but I truly believe in the team. And I especially believe in the core team. It is my firm belief that we will succeed. We will learn from our mistakes and overcome any adversity.
Forward is the only path. [The playoff loss]It was a complete sham. It’s impossible to find a better way. This is extremely disappointing. It will feel so much better once we get there.
ESPN: Kyle Dubas has doubled that sentiment. His general manager, Kyle Dubas has stated that he’d “bet everything” for the Leafs core to be able to find a way to win the championship. What does it mean for you to hear that your GM says that?
MatthewsThis is not something that we have heard. He feels that way. We feel more confident moving forward when he does this. It’s the only thing you could ask for: your general manager, and all of your coworkers to truly believe in each other.
ESPN: Last question, as both a skater and fashion icon, which would you rather see on the GQ cover, or a videogame cover?
MatthewsOMG, I’d love to be on the cover of a videogame. I don’t like to read magazines.