Maple Leafs’ Easton Cowan hopes to help break Auston Matthews’ scoring drought vs. Ducks
Through 49 games, Cowan has recorded eight goals and 12 assists, slotting into different parts of the lineup as the year has gone on. Prior to hosting the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, Cowan found himself skating alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander on the Maple Leafs’ first line. Cowan touched on what it’s like playing with the Maple Leafs’ captain.
“Obviously, it’s fun playing with the captain, he’s a good guy too,” Cowan said after the Maple Leafs’ morning skate. “I’m just looking to support him all over the ice tonight and try and make some plays.”
Much has been made of the current 12-game goalless drought that Matthews finds himself in, but Cowan reiterated that the captain isn’t letting it affect his mindset inside the team’s locker room.
“He’s been pretty positive, obviously he’s a good leader. He does things in a very good way,” Cowan said. “Hopefully I can help him break the drought tonight.”
As for seeing his role change throughout his rookie campaign, Cowan touched on what it’s been like to slot into different spots on the roster after being a first-line player for much of his time in junior hockey.
“Obviously, that just comes with the challenge I find of just being able to play everywhere in the lineup,” Cowan said. “Whether it’s bottom six, top six, on the power play or not, it’s just about being able to help the team win.”
Cowan was a part of back-to-back Ontario Hockey League championship teams, as a member of the London Knights, so the losing that Cowan is experiencing this season is something that is a little foreign to the 20-year-old. Cowan touched on what it’s been like this season as the Maple Leafs find themselves with a record of 27-27-11.
“Obviously, no matter what team you’re on, you don’t want to lose,” Cowan said. “Winning is fun no matter where you play, so that’s what we want to do here tonight.”
With 17 games remaining in the regular season, this stretch will be used as a chance for the Maple Leafs to see what they have in younger players like Cowan and Jacob Quillan, as the team tries to rebound next season. Cowan touched on his goals over the regular season’s final two months.
“I’m just focused on getting a win here tonight, taking it day-by-day, trying to get better to help this team get out of this little slump we’re in and try to win some more games,” Cowan said.