Matthews looks like the captain and leader the US expected at Milano Cortina 2026

MILAN (AP) — The spotlight is constantly on Auston Matthews, no matter where is. He carries a lot on his shoulders in the NHL as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in what is known as the center (centre in Canada) of the hockey universe. He also has tons of pressure wearing the “C” for the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Olympics. By the time the preliminary round ended, Matthews looked precisely like the leader the Americans were hoping he would be. He scored two goals and had an assist on an otherworldly pass in a performance against Germany that coach Mike Sullivan called inspiring to the whole group. Teammates are quick to defend Matthews the captain and the...