One of the top goal scorers in the NHL continues to impress. Auston Matthews, a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, scored his team-record 65th goal of the season on Monday night. The goal came at the 1:22 mark of the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins after a faceoff win by captain John Tavares. Despite Matthews’ achievement, Toronto lost the game in overtime, with a final score of 3-2. This goal equals Alexander Ovechkin’s record set in the 2007-08 season, which remains the most goals scored in one season during the salary cap era. Matthews has been a prolific goal scorer this season and has the opportunity to make history. With just five more games remaining in the regular season, the 26-year-old has a chance to become the first player in over 30 years to reach the 70-goal mark. If he can maintain his consistency and a bit of luck, achieving this mark is definitely within reach. The goal also brings Matthews to his 101st point of the season, marking the first time in his career that he has reached the century mark. Matthews previously reached the 60-goal mark during the 2021-22 season, despite missing nine games due to injury. He is in the final year of his current contract with an AAV of $11,640,250, and his new four-year extension with a $13.25 million cap hit will take effect next season. In his 557 games, Matthews has scored 364 goals and 642 points, with 22 goals and 22 assists in 50 playoff games. He aims to increase these numbers in the upcoming playoffs. The Maple Leafs (44-23-10) currently ranks third in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Florida Panthers by four points for second place and leading the fourth-place Tampa Bay Lightning by five points.
Glory!! as Leafs’ Auston Matthews hits 65 goals on the season, tied for most in salary cap era
