Toronto Maple Leafs’ center, Auston Matthews, made history by becoming the NHL’s first two-time 60-goal scorer in 30 years. This remarkable feat occurred during the Maple Leafs’ 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Matthews not only matched the franchise record he set two seasons ago when he led the NHL in goals, but he also joined a prestigious group of eight NHL players who have achieved multiple 60-goal seasons. This achievement marks the first time since Pavel Bure’s back-to-back 60-goal campaigns in 1992-93 and 1993-94.
Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy stand as the leaders in this exclusive club with five 60-goal seasons each. Matthews, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, stands out as the only U.S.-born player to reach the 60-goal milestone in a single season. His talent and dedication to the game have solidified his place among the NHL elite.
Matthews showcased his skill and determination during the game, particularly on the play leading to his historic goal. Chasing after Buffalo defenseman Bowen Byram, Matthews capitalized on an opportunity created by Byram losing his stick while trying to track a puck dumped into the Sabres’ end. Despite an initial save by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Matthews persisted and eventually swept the loose puck into the open left side to secure the milestone goal. The emotion and intensity of the moment were palpable as Matthews went down to one knee, punching the air in celebration while his Maple Leafs teammates joined in the jubilation at the boards.
Despite being a road game for Toronto, the stands were filled with a large contingent of Maple Leafs fans who passionately cheered on their team. The chants of “MVP! MVP!” reverberated throughout the arena, underscoring the impact of Matthews’ performance and the appreciation of his talents by the fanbase. It is evident that Matthews’ contributions transcend geographical boundaries, resonating with fans across the league.
Adding to the significance of Matthews’ accomplishment is the fact that the goal was scored in the very arena where the Maple Leafs selected him as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. This full-circle moment serves as a symbol of Matthews’ growth, development, and enduring impact on the NHL. As he continues to rewrite the record books and etch his name in hockey history, Auston Matthews stands as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for future generations of players.