TORONTO – On one night time the Toronto Maple Leafs honored Auston Matthews for marking the franchise one season for targets earlier within the week, the middle star added two extra targets earlier than the primary interval ended.
Matthews scored his 57th and 58th targets by 27 seconds early within the first body because the Maple Leafs beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 to achieve 100 factors on the season.
John Tavares added his twenty sixth aim of the season and goalkeeper Eric Calgren added 24 saves as Toronto made their seventh recreation within the final eight to formally safe a spot within the playoffs within the Jap Province for the sixth consecutive yr. The Maple Leafs additionally cushioned their lead in second place within the Atlantic Division behind the Florida Panthers.
Matthews’ opener scored his fiftieth aim in his previous 50 video games, making him the primary participant to realize that feat since Mario Lemio in 1995-96.
Matthews prolonged his factors streak to 16 video games (21 targets, 10 assists). Linemat Mitchell Marner has 13 video games (eight targets, 20 assists).
“You knew one thing particular was occurring,” stated Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe. “I’m actually stunned that it stopped at 2 o’clock [goals]. “
In the course of the victory over their largest opponent, Matthews and the Maple Leafs would typically hear chants of “Greatest participant!” Cascade of stands.
“You type of get chills,” Matthews stated of listening to the calls. Chills in your bones.
Cole Caufield and Joel Edmondson scored for Montreal. Jake Allen blocked his first 14 pictures earlier than leaving with an obvious leg harm when he stretched Matthews’ first aim. Sam Montembeault made 23 stops the remainder of the best way.
Matthews set Toronto’s one-season report for targets when he scored for the fifty fifth and 56th occasions Thursday night time in a 4-3 time beyond regulation win in Dallas.
Rick Fife, who has held the 54-goal mark in a 40-year marketing campaign, was current on the Scotiabank Enviornment earlier on Saturday to personally congratulate the 24-year-old on his achievement earlier than Matthews grew to become the primary NHLer in 26 years to earn a 50. At 50.
In the course of the first interval low season, there was standing ovation and a featured bundle on the ring screens honoring Matthews.
“It was great,” he stated. “I did not realize it was taking place, it stunned me.”
Tampa Bay Lightning ahead Stephen Stamkos is the final NHL participant to attain 60 targets. He reached this milestone in 2011-12.
If the season ends on Saturday night time, the Maple Leafs, who then meet the Buffalo Sabers on Tuesday night time, will face the Boston Bruins within the first spherical of the playoffs.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
