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Auston Matthews sets new NHL record, which has gone largely unnoticed
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Auston Matthews is the only player in NHL history to come close to achieving this extraordinary statistical feat.
Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews posted an impressive 69 goals and 107 points in 81 games last season. While Matthews is celebrated for his incredible scoring talent, sometimes it's easy to get lost in the hype and his defensive contributions enf up being a bit underappreciated. Last season, the Arizona native accomplished something no other player has done in recorded NHL history.
According to BigHeadLeafs_ on X:
"Auston Matthews is the only player EVER to have these stats in the same season:
— 50 goals
— +30 (plus/minus rating)
— 70 blocks
Is it time to put the 'Matthews doesn't play defense'.narratives away? Cause we think so."
— 50 goals
— +30 (plus/minus rating)
— 70 blocks
Is it time to put the 'Matthews doesn't play defense'.narratives away? Cause we think so."
While the three-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner is a near lock to score 50 goals each season, it's also long past time that he is acknowledged as one of the best defensive forwards in the league as well. A Frank J. Selke Trophy would look good in his trophy case.
Matthews disappointingly fell just short of 70 goals last season and will be even more determined to reach that milestone next year, and since he's not one to cut corners defensively, we should see another strong defensive effort from the Arizona product as well.
Source: HockeyDB
Auston Matthews Statistics
Auston Matthews Statistics
| POLL | ||
AOUT 2 | 2369 ANSWERS Auston Matthews sets new NHL record, which has gone largely unnoticed Will Auston Matthews break 70 goals next season? | ||
| Yes | 926 | 39.1 % |
| No | 1443 | 60.9 % |
| List of polls | ||