Auston Matthews has once more confirmed his elite status inside the NHL, achieving a remarkable milestone that solidifies his position amongst probably the most prolific goal scorers the league has ever witnessed. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ star player reached his sixtieth goal of the season during a commanding 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on March 30, 2024. On Monday, he added two more goals within the Leafs’ 6-4 win against the Florida Panthers and accounted for the lone goal within the 4-1 loss against the Lightning last night, leaving him with 63 goals with seven games to play within the season.
The achievement was notably celebrated on the KeyBank Center, a venue with personal significance for Matthews. Eight years prior, it was here that his skilled journey began when he was drafted 1st overall by the Maple Leafs within the 2016 NHL Draft. This full-circle moment was not lost on Matthews or the crowds of Maple Leafs fans who filled the sector with chants of “60! 60!” in anticipation and support of his record-setting goal.
The achievement marks Matthews because the only current NHL player to have scored 60 goals in multiple season, demonstrating his exceptional skill and consistency at the best levels of hockey.
Matthews, known for his humility and team-first attitude, reflected on the importance of this milestone with gratitude and a way of collective achievement.
“It means lots,” Matthews stated, underscoring the importance of team effort in his accomplishments. He further remarked on the rarity of his achievement, saying, “It’s hard to take into consideration stuff like that. Truthfully, it’s special.”
His entry into the exclusive club of players with multiple 60-goal seasons places him alongside hockey legends comparable to Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Brett Hull, further underscoring the historical significance of his achievement. Matthews’ previous 60-goal season also saw him amassing 46 assists, a performance that earned him the celebrated Hart Trophy for the 2021-22 campaign. Together with his sights now set on the elusive 70-goal mark, Matthews’ current season could see him achieving a feat not reached because the days of Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny.
Hart Trophy
The anticipation around whether Matthews can reach or surpass 70 goals has sparked a flurry of interest amongst fans and bettors alike, highlighting his significant impact on the game and its following. His accomplishment has also reignited discussions around his odds within the race for the Hart Trophy against the favorites Nathan MacKinnon (-320), Nikita Kucherov (+600), and last season’s winner, Connor McDavid (+650). Currently, Matthews is a +1800 underdog at Canadian betting sites offering odds on the MVP race, but does that change if he reaches 70 goals?
Matthews’ record-breaking season doesn’t only highlight his goal-scoring prowess but in addition his role in leading the Maple Leafs. His pursuit of a 3rd Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, his leadership in even-strength goals, and his march towards franchise scoring records underscore his importance to his team and the league.
Comparing Matthews with other energetic members of the 60-goal club, including Connor McDavid and David Pastrnak, places him in rarefied air, emphasizing his unique position in the present NHL landscape. His ability to consistently perform at this level has made him a cornerstone for the Maple Leafs and a beacon of excellence in skilled hockey.
Because the regular season draws to a detailed, the hockey world watches with bated breath to see if Matthews can proceed his goal-scoring spree. With seven games remaining and possibly reaching 70 goals inside grasp, Matthews stands on the precipice of one other historic achievement. Can Auston Matthews proceed his remarkable pace and rating seven more goals in his final seven games to achieve 70 goals for the 2023-24 season?
The 70 Goal Club
Within the storied history of the National Hockey League (NHL), 70 goals in a single season stands as a towering milestone, achieved by only eight players whose extraordinary performances have set them apart as a few of the biggest goal scorers in the game. This exclusive group represents a combination of raw talent, incredible perseverance, and the power to perform at the best level consistently.
Wayne Gretzky: Often known as “The Great One,” Gretzky is probably probably the most iconic figure in hockey. He surpassed the 70-goal mark in a season 4 times, with a record-breaking 92 goals within the 1981-82 season, a record that also stands today.
Brett Hull: The son of hockey legend Bobby Hull, Brett Hull was probably the most prolific goal scorers within the NHL during his profession. He reached the 70-goal plateau twice, including a formidable 86 goals within the 1990-91 season.
Mario Lemieux: Lemieux’s combination of size, skill, and intelligence made him a dominant force on the ice. He scored 70 or more goals thrice, together with his highest total coming in at 85 goals through the 1988-89 season.
Phil Esposito: As certainly one of the premier goal scorers of his era, Esposito was the primary player to interrupt the 70-goal barrier, scoring 76 goals within the 1970-71 season, setting a brand new standard for scoring within the NHL.
Alexander Mogilny: Within the 1992-93 season, Mogilny, known for his incredible speed and scoring ability, lit the lamp 76 times for the Buffalo Sabres, tying him for the league lead in goals that season.
Teemu Selanne: The Finnish Flash burst onto the NHL scene with certainly one of the best rookie seasons ever, scoring 76 goals within the 1992-93 season, the present record for goals by a rookie.
Bernie Nicholls: Playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Nicholls had a profession yr within the 1988-89 season, scoring 70 goals. The era’s other great scorers often overshadowed his incredible season, nevertheless it stays a remarkable achievement.
Jari Kurri: An important a part of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty within the Eighties, Kurri was probably the most consistent scorers of his time, including a remarkable 71 goals in 73 games through the 1984-85 season.
