The storied Toronto Maple Leafs have had their share of tough losses in the middle of the NHL’s 2023-2024 regular season. Turning the tide for the Leafs has been a team effort, but one powerhouse shooter has put more pucks in the net this season than anyone – Auston Matthews. We are not just talking about the most Toronto Maple Leaf goals either, Matthews is the NHL stat leader for goals. To hit his 50th goal of the year, he rockets a power play goal past Karel Vejmelka from just below the dot.
The NHL Stat Leader was Raised in the Desert
Those who don’t know much about NHL superstar Auston Matthews are shocked to find out he comes from Arizona. This is why his teammates have nicknamed him “the Big Cactus.” Watching the Arizona Coyotes play when he was a youth sparked his interest in hockey. A great moment for Matty was when he came back to his home state scoring goal number 50. Sharing this proud moment in front of his parents, who attended the game at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona made it extra special.
Leading the NHL Goal Stats in Any Way Possible
In five stellar games, Auston Matthews has scored eight goals to take a commanding lead as the NHL stat leader. To get the best NHL Stats, Matthews puts in tremendous effort every game. Most often you will see him shooting the puck with precision and accuracy past the best goalies in the world. For his 51st goal of the season, however, teammate Mitch Marner shot a puck that deflected off Auston’s chest. Crafty A-Matts scored, because he was in the best position to deflect the puck into the net. You have to be in the best space at the right time to become an NHL stat leader. In a post-game interview reporters asked Maple Leaf D-Man Timothy Liljegren how his confidence was improving with increased power play time. Liljegren mentioned Matthews right away:
It’s been good, it’s an easy job, just give it to Matty and he’ll score (Timothy Liljegren February 21, 2024)
Keeping the Winning Streak Alive Helps the NHL Stat Leader
The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone on a winning streak just as the Maple Leaf prediction said they would. Five wins in a row and counting. The Maple Leafs markedly perform well on the road, despite most other teams tending to favor home games, hence the streak continues. The Toronto defenders will be getting back Morgan Rielly, in addtion to being on a hot streak. Rielly was suspended after cross-checking Ridly Greig‘s face in response to shooting an empty net clapper on February 10th. Full steam ahead as the Leafs take on the Golden Knights in Las Vegas, NV. Go Leafs Go!
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
