Auston MatthewsMaple Leafs’ legend speaks for itself
On Thursday, Matthews scored his 55th goal against Dallas. He passed Rick Vaive to become Toronto’s single-season record holder for goals. Matthews achieved the feat in 66 games, and has scored 48 goals in his 50 most recent games.
Vaive’s 54-goal record had been in place for over 40 year, starting with the 1981-82 season (which was also the highest-scoring NHL season).
Matthews was a former winger and 62-year old ex-winger who knew it would only be a matter of time. Toronto’s first overall pick in 2016 had 47 goals. Matthews was then forced to stop playing in 2019-20 due to COVID-19. In the 56-game season last year, he scored 41 goals.
Vaive stated that he was happy for him and expressed his gratitude to ESPN. “I was expecting him to do it two-years ago. He is a player of the future. That record has not been broken in 40 years. It’s a blessing that I live to see it.
Matthews indicated that he wasn’t focused on breaking the record after Tuesday’s defeat to Florida by Toronto (7-6 overtime)
Matthews stated, “It hasn’t really weighed me down too much.” Matthews said, “I take it game-by-game and obviously every match I try to create offense and score to help the team win. [Everything else]It hasn’t weighed me down.”
Vaive was the Leafs’ first ever player to score more 50 goals. This feat was achieved three times in the 1980s. Gary LeemanIn 1990, and Dave Andreychuk1994 was the last time Vaive’s team had reached the same level. Matthews, however, crossed the 50-goal threshold against Winnipeg on March 31st.
Matthews only needed 62 games for his 50th goal. This was the fastest 50-goal season in history since 1995-96.
He has now set a new Toronto benchmark, which he can build on and possibly surpass in future seasons.
Vaive said, “His skills were amazing.” Vaive said, “It’s unbelievable how good he can be with the puck and how great his shot is. It’s a great thing that someone like him did this. [once]He is a man you can trust to get there every year or close.
Matthews remains the NHL’s top goal scorer and is poised to win the second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy. Edmonton’s Leon DraisaitlMatthews was the closest contender for the prize with 50 goals.