Matthews enters after scoring the only regulation goal for the U.S. and scoring shootout winner in a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals on Thursday. He leads the U.S. with five goals and three assists, and coach John Hynes (New Jersey Devils) is putting him in positions where he can be the go-to player in critical game situations. Matthews is rising to the occasion.
Two weeks ago in St. Petersburg, McDavid, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, went head-to-head against Matthews, No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of international skaters for the 2016 draft, in Canada's 5-1 win.
"It's definitely nice to be on the other side [of the draft]," McDavid said after that game when asked about the circumstance Matthews is now in as the presumptive No. 1 pick. "It's a fun experience, but there's a lot of pressure that goes with that, and a lot of attention. I'm sure he's trying to do the best he can, trying to enjoy it."