Matthews Matched Alex Ovechkin's 65-goal season from 2007-08 as the Maple Leafs superstar nears 70 before the season's end.
Matthews Matched Alex Ovechkin's 65-goal season from 2007-08 as the Maple Leafs superstar nears 70 before the season's end.
Auston Matthews is getting closer and closer to reaching that 70-goal milestone.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star scored his NHL-leading 65th goal of the season in a 3-2 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.
With the game tied 1-1, the Maple Leafs took advantage on the power play. After Maple Leafs captain John Tavares won the offensive-zone draw. Matthews took a slapshot from the point and beat Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic
While Matthews remains humble and doesn't say much when asked about his accomplishments, his Leafs teammates continue to be amazed at what they have witnessed the Arizona native do this season.
"I mean, it’s still crazy 60 was crazy. 65, you kind of look at it in awe," Fellow Arizona native Matthew Knies said of Matthews. "It’s pretty incredible what he can do and cross my fingers. I want to see 70 for sure."
Matthews matched Alex Ovechkin's 65-goal mark in the season to match the current active record for goals in a season. The Washington Capitals did it in 81 games during the 2007-08 season while Matthews just completed his 76th game and theoretically has six games remaining in his season.
"It’s just incredible, man. We’re in awe just as much as you guys watching," Said Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe, who scored the game-winner. "What I like most about his game is his defensive details are top-notch. He always seems to be in the right spot. He’s not cheating the game to get these goals."
Matthews' goal gave Toronto their first lead of the game. With six games to go in the regular season, the Leafs forward is certainly on pace to possibly become the first player in over 30 years to reach 70 goals, a feat not accomplished since Teemu Selanne and Alex Mogilny each scored 76 during the 1992-93 season. It's the 200-foot game that many have been most impressed with this season.
"He’s himself. He’s just going about his business," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "He loves to score goals, but he’s not putting that ahead of the team"
Matthews has 65 goals and 37 assists this season. He is four points shy of eclipsing his personal best of 106, set during the 2021-22 campaign.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3X7amhkenM[/embed]
Related
'He's Real Close': When the Maple Leafs Expect Joel Edmundson's Return to the Lineup
News from THN.com
NHL Three Stars: Lightning's Stamkos and Kucherov Own the Ice along with Penguins' Nedeljkovic
Seven Intriguing NHL Entry-Level Deals Signed in the Past Month
The Capitals and Islanders Could Both Miss the Playoffs Because of a Skills Competition