Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Reveals His Favourite Goal of His NHL Career

The Toronto Maple Leafs have started the NHL season with an impressive 11-6-2 record, most recently securing a 4-3 OT win against the Edmonton Oilers, thanks to some overtime heroics from Mitch Marner.

Remarkably, the Leafs have been achieving great success without superstar Auston Matthews, who has been sidelined due to injury for the last six games, including the Oilers matchup.

Matthews has established himself as one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation, tallying 373 goals in 575 games. He also boasts three Rocket Richard Trophies and two 60+ goal seasons. It's safe to say the team has missed his presence on the ice.

Recently, Matthews reflected on his career and shared his favorite goal, calling it the nicest one he's ever scored. He also compared himself to one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. As per TLNdc on X, Matthews said:

This goal, which came in a 2018 game against the Carolina Hurricanes, saw Matthews power through a defender before scoring on Cam Ward while falling to the ice.

The play strikes a bit of a resemblance to Alex Ovechkin's famous goal against the Arizona Coyotes, in which Ovechkin scored while falling on his back and rolling over --one of the most iconic goals in NHL history.

Speaking of Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain is steadily closing in on Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894.goals.

Recently, Chris Tanev suggested that Matthews could one day challenge Ovechkin's goal-scoring record, provided he stays healthy enough.

While Matthews has scored a number of dazzling goals throughout his career, it's clear that his memorable goal against Carolina holds a special place in his heart, and rightfully so, as it was a beauty.