Base Austin "Pignose" Matthews review

Next on my list of budget style players to review is Auston Matthews. I was glad he could take time away from filming his role as the bad guy in Angry Birds 2 to play for my team. He's a pretty fun card that I've really enjoyed using. I don't have his points in front of me as I'm at work but I can give a rough idea.

I play mainly in division 4 sometimes in 3 just long enough to get relegated. Matthews has been playing RW bouncing between lines 2 and 3and on PP2. He is playing with fellow Leaf Mitch Marner at LW and Ryan Kesler at center. This has been a pretty good line for me but nothing spectacular.

~50 games played 13 G and 8A. Rough estimates. Keep in mind I suck at this game so stats aren't true measure of potential.

Active Synergies: TT 1T CG

Puck skills 8/10 He's good but not elite. 90 is most stats but I don't feel he plays like it. Not super strong on the puck but he won't be knocked around by one of those little pesky red birds, you'd need something bigger. His passing is actually quite good and most often on the tape even through traffic. I don't deke so I won't comment on that. Hand eye is also good as he does tip a lot of pucks as he's rolling through the slot after one of the angry birds knocks him rolling off his stone castle.

Shooting 9/10 Now here is where our pig-boy shines. Very very accurate shooter. Game #2 saw Babe's first hat trick. Picks corners with wristers and buries the 1T. Comes off the stick like one of those yellow birds from his other game. I love to take him off a tie up draw and rip a shot or skate onto the slot and rip one. He also has some silky mitts for upclose deking goalies. If any of you have seen his video with Toews, he does shoot more accurately than depicted.

Skating 8.5/10 Again not elite but passable. His balance could be better and his speed definitely leaves something to be desired, but he's a pig, he's not going to be fast. As earlier mentioned he's decently strong on the puck and doesn't get knocked down too often unless he meets a bigger bird. Agility with synergies is okay but I feel slightly sluggish, but he can make his way through the offensive zone.

Physical 6.5/10 Don't even bother. In this story the green pigs get hit, they don't do the hitting. Strength isn't great either so he just bounces off guys.

Defense 6.5/10 Again, not really this guys best category. He probably won't cost you anything, but he's not going to save you any games in your own end. There's a reason he isn't on my Pk and that's because I like not getting scored on.

Overall 7.7/10 (if you way all my scores equally. I don't.)

My adjusted overall (weighing offensive categories more heavily) 8/10

He's a fun card and is great on offense and won't kill you on defense. If you're just starting out and want a solid base team this guy is a must have in my opinion. Or if you're just a fan of the angry birds franchise he's a good novelty card.

Hope you enjoyed the review! As always any tips for next time are appreciated!

Edit: Spelled his name wrong and can't change it. Oh well.