By Blessing Nweke
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews etched his name atop the franchise record book Saturday night, scoring twice in the second period to surpass Mats Sundin as the team’s all-time leading goal scorer. Matthews’ historic night came in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders.
Matthews entered the game tied with Sundin at 420 career goals. He pulled even midway through the second period, slipping past Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, shifting the puck from backhand to forehand and sliding it beyond goaltender David Rittich at 9:30 to tie the game 1-1.
Just 7:49 later, Matthews claimed sole possession of the record. Taking a cross-ice pass from Bobby McMann, he buried a one-timer for his 20th goal of the season, putting Toronto ahead and pushing his career total to 421.
“It means a lot, it’s a very historical franchise,” Matthews said. “There’s a lot of pride. … I am very humbled. I couldn’t do it without the great group of guys around me.”
The milestone was bittersweet for Toronto, however. Matthew Schaefer scored twice for the Islanders, including the game-winner in the final minute of overtime, to secure the victory.
“A club that’s had tremendous history — a tradition of players coming before him,” Maple Leafs center John Tavares said. “Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in the loss. Amazing moment for him and a hell of a player.”
Matthews’ performance continued a torrid stretch since the NHL’s Christmas break. He has six goals and 10 points in four games, including a hat trick in Friday night’s 6-5 win over Winnipeg. He had sat out Toronto’s 4-0 victory against New Jersey earlier in the week.
“It’s incredible, congrats to him,” coach Craig Berube said. “He drives the bus for us.”
Now in his second season as captain, Matthews ranks fourth in franchise history with 760 points. Sundin scored his 420 goals in 981 games; Matthews reached 421 in just 664, further cementing his place among the Maple Leafs’ greats.
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