NHL Star Accomplishes Feat Not Seen Since Mario Lemieux 30 Years Ago
Auston Matthews continues to remind everyone why he was the first overall pick of the 2016 draft after the Maple Leafs center made history Saturday night.
En route to the Leafs defeating the Capitals 4-2, Matthews scored his 10th goal in Toronto’s sixth game of the season. He joins Mario Lemieux (11 goals in 1988-89) as the only players in the past 30 years with at least 10 goals through their teams’ first six games.
Since the start of the NHL’s Modern Era in 1943, Matthews is just the fifth player to accomplish the feat.
Auston Matthews is the 5th player in the NHL Modern Era (since 1943-44) with at least 10 goals in his team’s first 6 games of a season. Only Mario Lemieux and Bobby Hull (11 each) have ever scored more in his team’s first 6 games. pic.twitter.com/GS4MiMcpn5
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2018
With the Leafs leading 3-2 and just two minutes remaining in the game, it appeared that Matthews’ run was coming to an end. But he was fed a pass right in front of the net and converted it into a goal for the game’s final tally.
Auston Matthews. Goal number 10. The streak continues. pic.twitter.com/VGJHTBiJR1
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) October 14, 2018
Matthews has scored in every game this season and has two goals in four of those six games. His hot start has propelled the Leafs to a 5-1 record and the team currently leads the NHL in points.
In addition to scoring a goal, Matthews also had his third assist of the season, which also extends his streak of multi-point games to six.
He joins Sweeny Schriner (1944-45) as the only Maple Leafs to score a goal and have multiple points in the first six games of the season.
After the game, the 21-year-old Matthews spoke like a 10-year vet when he put the focus on the team instead of himself when asked about his hot start.
“Obviously it feels good to help contribute. I mean the most important part is winning games,” Matthews said.
“This isn’t an easy road trip for us so to come out with the points we came out with is huge and we want to continue the success coming here next week.”
The Leafs completed their four-game road trip with four victories and scored at least four goals in each game. They are averaging 4.83 goals per game this season, which ranks second in the NHL.
Matthews can continue his hot start in front of the home fans Monday when the Leafs host the Los Angeles Kings. Eight of the Leafs’ next 11 games are at home.
Matthews currently leads the NHL in goals, points, power play goals and game-winning goals. He appears to have shaken off the injuries which knocked him out of 20 games last season and is the very early season leader for the Hart Trophy and Ross Trophy.
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