Auston Matthews and a critical flaw that's costing the Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs' power play continues to stall, and Auston Matthews' lack of production on it is costing Toronto valuable points in the standings.

Dec 4, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks on before the start of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn ImagesThe Toronto Maple Leafs are suddenly facing a problem in an area that once set them apart.

A power play that used to be one of the league's most dangerous has slipped into a costly weakness, draining momentum and valuable points from the standings.

At the center of the struggle is Auston Matthews,…