The Leafs had shown themselves to have a flair for the dramatic on Wednesday, trailing the game in Anaheim until late in the 3rd period before John Tavares converted on a rebound in front of Ducks netminder Lukas Dostal, who made 55 saves on the evening.
JOHN TAVARES 🚨
THE CAPTAIN BEATS HIM! pic.twitter.com/HeSjl0a1t0� Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 4, 2024
While it was the captain who brought the game back to even, it was Auston Matthews who put the Ducks on ice in overtime, scoring on a slick one-timer off of a stellar Mitch Marner feed. The goal marked Matthews' 30th of the season.
Auston Matthews
First player in #LeafsForever history with 30 goals in 35 games played or fewer since Frank Mahovlich in 1960-61 pic.twitter.com/TQr7LfJlFP� Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 4, 2024
Matthews' 30th goal in 35 games or less makes him the first Leaf to accomplish the feat since the legendary Frank Mahovlich did so in 1960-61. The goal also marks Matthews' 11th OT winner of his career (regular season and playoffs combined), which moves him into 2nd on the all-time franchise list behind, you guessed it, Mats Sundin, who racked up 16 such tallies in his tenure with the Leafs.
Last night's game-winner was Auston Matthews' 11th career overtime goal (regular season + playoffs).
That's the 2nd most in @MapleLeafs history.#NHL | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/kuCpXyUk0M� Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) January 4, 2024
With Matthews still having 4-and-a-half seasons remaining in Toronto between this contract and the next, it's feasible that he could not only pass many of Sundin's records; he may smash them. Of course, it bears mentioning that William Nylander is 3rd on the OT goals list in Toronto with 10 such markers to his credit. If he does indeed sign an 8-year extension, as is rumoured, this record may end up belonging to him in the end.
POLL | ||
4 JANVIER | 723 ANSWERS Auston Matthews becomes the first Leaf in 63 years to accomplish this impressive feat Will Auston Matthews end his career as the all-time points leader for the Leafs? | ||
Definitely | 512 | 70.8 % |
Only if he stays healthy | 154 | 21.3 % |
No, but he'll be close | 57 | 7.9 % |
List of polls |