On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Auston Matthews has once again confirmed his elite status within the NHL, achieving a remarkable milestone that solidifies his position among the most prolific goal scorers the league has ever witnessed. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ star player reached his 60th goal of the season during a commanding 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on March 30, 2024. On Monday, he added two more goals in the Leafs’ 6-4 win against the Florida Panthers and accounted for the lone goal in the 4-1 loss against the Lightning last night, leaving him with 63 goals with seven games to play in the season.
The achievement was notably celebrated at the KeyBank Center, a venue with personal significance for Matthews. Eight years prior, it was here that his professional journey began when he was drafted 1st overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Draft. This full-circle moment was not lost on Matthews or the crowds of Maple Leafs fans who filled the arena with chants of “60! 60!” in anticipation and support of his record-setting goal.
The achievement marks Matthews as the only current NHL player to have scored 60 goals in more than one season, demonstrating his exceptional skill and consistency at the highest levels of hockey.
Matthews, known for his humility and team-first attitude, reflected on the significance of this milestone with gratitude and a sense of collective achievement.
“It means a lot,” Matthews stated, underscoring the importance of team effort in his accomplishments. He further remarked on the rarity of his achievement, saying, “It’s hard to think about stuff like that. Honestly, it’s special.”
His entry into the exclusive club of players with multiple 60-goal seasons places him alongside hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Brett Hull, further underscoring the historical significance of his achievement. Matthews’ previous 60-goal season also saw him amassing 46 assists, a performance that earned him the prestigious Hart Trophy for the 2021-22 campaign. With his sights now set on the elusive 70-goal mark, Matthews’ current season could see him achieving a feat not reached since the days of Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny.
Hart Trophy
The anticipation around whether Matthews can reach or surpass 70 goals has sparked a flurry of interest among fans and bettors alike, highlighting his significant impact on the sport and its following. His accomplishment has also reignited discussions around his odds in the race for the Hart Trophy against the favorites Nathan MacKinnon (-320), Nikita Kucherov (+600), and last season’s winner, Connor McDavid (+650). Currently, Matthews is a +1800 underdog at Canadian betting sites offering odds on the MVP race, but does that change if he reaches 70 goals?
Matthews’ record-breaking season does not only highlight his goal-scoring prowess but also his role in leading the Maple Leafs. His pursuit of a third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, his leadership in even-strength goals, and his march towards franchise scoring records underscore his importance to his team and the league.
Comparing Matthews with other active members of the 60-goal club, including Connor McDavid and David Pastrnak, places him in rarefied air, emphasizing his unique position in the current NHL landscape. His ability to consistently perform at this level has made him a cornerstone for the Maple Leafs and a beacon of excellence in professional hockey.
As the regular season draws to a close, the hockey world watches with bated breath to see if Matthews can continue his goal-scoring spree. With seven games remaining and possibly reaching 70 goals within grasp, Matthews stands on the precipice of another historic achievement. Can Auston Matthews continue his remarkable pace and score seven more goals in his final seven games to reach 70 goals for the 2023-24 season?
The 70 Goal Club
In the storied history of the National Hockey League (NHL), 70 goals in a single season stands as a towering milestone, achieved by only eight players whose extraordinary performances have set them apart as some of the greatest goal scorers in the sport. This exclusive group represents a mix of raw talent, incredible perseverance, and the ability to perform at the highest level consistently.
Wayne Gretzky: Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky is perhaps the most iconic figure in hockey. He surpassed the 70-goal mark in a season four times, with a record-breaking 92 goals in the 1981-82 season, a record that still stands today.
Brett Hull: The son of hockey legend Bobby Hull, Brett Hull was one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL during his career. He reached the 70-goal plateau twice, including an impressive 86 goals in the 1990-91 season.
Mario Lemieux: Lemieux’s combination of size, skill, and intelligence made him a dominant force on the ice. He scored 70 or more goals three times, with his highest total coming in at 85 goals during the 1988-89 season.
Phil Esposito: As one of the premier goal scorers of his era, Esposito was the first player to break the 70-goal barrier, scoring 76 goals in the 1970-71 season, setting a new standard for scoring in the NHL.
Alexander Mogilny: In the 1992-93 season, Mogilny, known for his incredible speed and scoring ability, lit the lamp 76 times for the Buffalo Sabres, tying him for the league lead in goals that season.
Teemu Selanne: The Finnish Flash burst onto the NHL scene with one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, scoring 76 goals in the 1992-93 season, the current record for goals by a rookie.
Bernie Nicholls: Playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Nicholls had a career year in the 1988-89 season, scoring 70 goals. The era’s other great scorers often overshadowed his incredible season, but it remains a remarkable achievement.
Jari Kurri: A vital part of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty in the 1980s, Kurri was one of the most consistent scorers of his time, including a remarkable 71 goals in 73 games during the 1984-85 season.
More must-reads:
- Is a Connor Bedard breakout coming in 2025-26?
- Colts to sign key offensive lineman to a massive extension
- The 'NFL all-time touchdown receptions leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Chicago Blackhawks at Risk of Losing First Round Pick as Other Teams Pitch Big-Money Offers
Mason West is a talented prospect of the future for the Chicago Blackhawks, but it appears he may look to leave hockey for big opportunities in football. The Chicago Blackhawks landed Anton Frondell with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but it was perhaps their second first-round pick that drew the most intrigue, as they drafted centre Mason West out of the USHL. That pick was intriguing for many reasons, with the 6-foot-6 centre having potential with his talent and his physicality, but now, the team may be in danger of losing the talented 17-year old. According to a report from The Athletic, the No. 29 overall pick has been drawing interest from several NCAA programs to join their team as a football player. Standing at 6-foot-6, the Minnesota native is a star in both hockey and football, tallying 49 points in 31 games at the high school level while also being a star Quarterback, and after putting up 9 points in 10 USHL games with the Fargo Force, the future is bright for him in both sports. Ultimately, at 17-years of age, the future is very bright whichever way West ends up going, but given that the Blackhawks used a first-round pick on him in this past seasons draft, they're clearly confident that they can not only keep him in hockey, but make a good NHLer out of him moving forward.
Kirk Cousins makes notable leadership move after Falcons practice
Kirk Cousins might be relegated to the job of backup quarterback, but he is showing veteran leadership to his Atlanta Falcons teammates. Following Sunday's practice, Cousins pulled aside rookie defensive end James Pearce to encourage the first-round pick after his fourth practice in the league at Flowery Branch, Georgia. "QB Kirk Cousins pulled aside Pearce after practice to compliment him on a pass batted down," wrote Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Cousins reportedly had a solid day of practice on Sunday, going 7-of-12 passing against the first-team unit. If Cousins wants out of Atlanta, he's not showing it at practice. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is competing on the field and being a good teammate around the facility. Cousins' actions on the field backed up what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot praised Cousins for before the team's practice on Sunday. “Outside, it's a lot more of a deal than it is in the building,” Fontenot said to the media about the idea of friction between the Falcons and Cousins, per video from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “He shows up, he does his job, just like anybody ... We've gotta build the best 70-man roster so we can go win games. "That's what we're focused on, and Kirk, just like all the other players, is focused on coming in here and doing their job. That's what he's been doing." Fontenot didn't dismiss the idea that Atlanta would trade Cousins before the season. He said the Falcons will do whatever it takes to make the team better, but stressed that Cousins has been a professional throughout the process of being replaced by Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick from the 2024 draft. “In terms of making moves, whether it's trades or acquiring players, we're always looking at those factors," Fontenot said. "We're gonna do whatever we can do to make this team the best it can possibly be. But he's been a great professional, and he's handled himself well.” Cousins is coming to work in a manner that will make another owner want to take a chance on the veteran quarterback. That could be one of his best-selling points before he plays in his 13th season in the league.
Cubs in danger of making enormous trade-deadline mistake
Boasting a 62-44 record in the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs are still searching for a way to pull ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers took sole possession of first place in the division from the Cubs in an 8-4 win on Monday. Chicago will get its chance before the three-game set is over, but if the Cubs should fall to the Brewers, the trade deadline will be viewed as essential for their World Series chances. Several rumors of Chicago’s interest in starters, relievers and third basemen have swirled nonstop. And while they have shown interest in several quality names — Mitch Keller, Eugenio Suárez, MacKenzie Gore — some of their other trade targets are less than ideal. Among their worst sources of interest (if not, the worst) is struggling Braves reliever Raisel Iglesias, who is in his walk year. Hiding behind his shining 2.99 career ERA is a rather shocking, career-high 4.97 ERA, to which he has pitched this season. He is still a strikeout pitcher, having accumulated 46 Ks in 41.2 innings, but his run prevention capabilities have seemingly deteriorated. It was only last season when Iglesias posted a stellar 1.95 ERA. Since then, his home run total doubled, from surrendering just four last year to eight so far this year. His opponent batting average has also jumped, from .160 to .250. Iglesias is no stranger to success. He threw to ERAs south of 3.00 in eight of his 11 MLB years. However, this season, he just doesn’t appear to have it. Any team that trades for Iglesias in the last year of his contract would be betting that he can return to elite form before the season is over. Taking a risk on a pitcher like Iglesias in his current condition, especially when there are several other more reliable arms on the market, would be ill-advised. And for the Cubs, who are in a win-now position, having secured one guaranteed year of Kyle Tucker, taking a gamble on Iglesias could easily risk everything they worked for this season.
LA Lakers have inside track to sign 2x All-Star in new buyout deal, it would complete their roster
The Los Angeles Lakers could make yet another addition to their roster this offseason. After a poor postseason run, the Los Angeles Lakers have been active this summer in hopes of bolstering their roster. In fact, general manager Rob Pelinka has already made some key additions to the roster, including Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Signing an elite center was arguably the most important task for Pelinka this offseason, and he fulfilled it with the arrival of Ayton. However, one could argue that the Lakers still need a quality backup center. Luka Doncic could recruit Nikola Vucevic to the Los Angeles Lakers While the Lakers re-signed Jaxson Hayes, a player of Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic’s caliber would undoubtedly be a major upgrade. Moreover, with Vucevic being on the Lakers’ radar for years, it means that the organization rates him highly. Previously, the Bulls didn’t indulge in a trade with the Purple and Gold around Vucevic. It has led to Vucevic’s trade value diminishing so much that he is expected to complete a contract buyout with the Bulls. The Laker Nation would love to sign the 34-year-old, and Luka Doncic can help in this quest. How? Well, Doncic and Vucevic share the same agent in Bill Duffy. This means that if Vucevic completes a buyout, the Lakers could have the upper hand in negotiations. The 2x NBA All-Star has given the last five and a half seasons of his career to the Bulls, but it’s obvious that their time together is about to end sooner rather than later. Adding fuel to the fire were former Orlando Magic star Evan Fournier’s comments. Fournier ridiculed the Bulls while taking a shot at Vucevic after the latter called out his move overseas. Luka Doncic has already proven he can recruit stars Ahead of his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is doing everything in his power to bring back the glory days for the Lakers. He has already undergone a massive transformation to silence his critics. Additionally, Doncic has been actively involved in recruiting players for the Lakers. Smart admitted Doncic was a huge reason behind his decision to sign with the Lakers. Ayton also acknowledged Luka’s role in his decision to join the Purple and Gold. Let’s not forget Ayton also has the same agent as the Slovenian superstar. So, Doncic has already given the inside track for one star; there’s no reason to doubt he would do the same in Vucevic’s case.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
