Auston Matthews speaks out after scoring 60 goals for the second time
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
After failing to score on 10, yes, TEN shots on goal on Thursday night against the Washington Capitals, being unable to register his 60th goal of the season, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews was not going to be denied again. It took until the late stages of the third period at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, but after being robbed on a partial breakaway, Matthews corralled the loose puck in front and potted his 60th of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team who put up 9 goals against the Leafs in their last meeting in December. His tally last night marked 60 goals for the 2nd time in 3 seasons for Matthews. What an unbelievable talent.
Matthews became the only active player in the NHL to have two or more 60+ goal seasons and is just the ninth player in NHL history to do so. He's also the only American-born player to ever record multiple 60-goal seasons and set a new Maple Leafs franchise record for most even-strength goals in a single season with his 45th even-strength goal of the season.
Following the game, Matthews was asked about the feat, and accomplishing it in what was essentially another home game for the Leafs at Buffalo in front of a rowdy crowd full of Leaf fans. Matthews admitted that he has heard the "we want six-ty" chants for a number of games now and that he's happy to be able to get that one out of the way.
"I've heard it the last couple games. It means a lot. Obviously it's as much of a team accomplishment, in my opinion, as an individual one. It's always a fun atmosphere here with all the blue & white in the stands. So, definitely pretty cool. It's hard to think about stuff like that. Honestly, it's special.
Obviously, I try and pride myself on playing a full 200-foot game and I know I can score and just try and compete every night. I just try and stay focused and just go out there and play my game. I feel like the last couple of games, plenty of really good chances, not all of them have gone in, but I knew if I stayed with it, keep shooting it and fortunate for that one to land in my feet there and bang it home."
Obviously, I try and pride myself on playing a full 200-foot game and I know I can score and just try and compete every night. I just try and stay focused and just go out there and play my game. I feel like the last couple of games, plenty of really good chances, not all of them have gone in, but I knew if I stayed with it, keep shooting it and fortunate for that one to land in my feet there and bang it home."
In an era where we have been focused on Alex Ovechkin chasing down Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, it's stunning that Matthews is the only active player to have two sixty-goal seasons. With 9 games left, becoming the first 70-goal scorer in this era is not out of the question either, so perhaps there are more milestones awaiting Matthews before the seasons is over and done with.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 331 ANSWERS Auston Matthews speaks out after scoring 60 goals for the second time With 9 games to go and Matthews sitting at 60 goals on the season, will Matthews be able to hit 70? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 45.6 % |
| No | 180 | 54.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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