Auston Matthews Hits 60-Goal Mark as Maple Leafs Shut Out Sabres in Buffalo

Saturday, March 30th, 2024

Auston Matthews achieved his 60th goal for the season, leading the league, in Toronto's 3-0 victory over Buffalo. Ilya Samsonov was credited with the shutout, having made 34 saves.

In his 1,100th game in the NHL, team captain John Tavares scored the first goal, with Nicholas Robertson later extending Toronto's lead to 2-0.

The third period saw Matthews reaching his 60th goal of the season, tying his own team record from two seasons ago. He made history as the first player in three decades to have two seasons of 60 goals, joining a prestigious group of eight with similar achievements.

Buffalo, despite 19 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, faces the prospect of missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year.

Samsonov's outstanding game, highlighted by significant saves against Dylan Cozens and Jeff Skinner, helped him bounce back from a less favorable performance against Buffalo earlier in the season.

The game, feeling like it was played on Toronto's home ice, featured a goal by Tavares underneath his uncle's retired jersey banner. Robertson's goal in the second period further secured Toronto's win.

Toronto is set to play Florida on Monday, and Buffalo will host Washington on Tuesday.

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