Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews makes no secret of it: he wants to end the regular season with at least 60 goals to his name.
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“It would mean a lot to me, dropped the sniper Tuesday, a few hours before the duel of his team against the Detroit Red Wings. I got some great opportunities lately, but the puck wouldn’t cross the red line. If I continue to have chances, I know I will score.”
“This is not the end of the world [si ça n’arrive pas], added the very first pick of the 2016 draft. This season means more than this accomplishment. There’s nothing more important than winning.”
With two games to go in the 2021-2022 campaign, Matthews’ counter is at 58 successes. These teammates also want to see him achieve the feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Steven Stamkos in 2011-2012.
“There is no doubt that we want to see him succeed,” said John Tavares. He is in this situation because of the way he approaches things, his persistence in improving his game, his consistency and the diligence he puts into it.
“We want him to reach this plateau, but we have to keep the same approach and things will happen,” added the Maple Leafs captain. Look at his goals-per-game average, his chances are excellent. We want to play the same way and it’s the same for him.”
Even if he does not reach the famous plateau of 60 goals, the current season of Matthews is already historic. Indeed, his total of 58 goals already represents a record for a Maple Leafs player in a single season. He broke the 54-goal mark set in 1981-82 by Rick Vaive.
The 24-year-old American should also get his hands on a second consecutive Maurice-Richard trophy. Matthews currently has three more goals than Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisailt, the National League’s second-leading scorer so far. The Alberta club skater still has three games to play before the end of his regular season.