Auston Matthews Hits 66-Goal Milestone, Maple Leafs Dash Devils' Playoff Dreams and Near NHL Record

Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

In Newark, Auston Matthews found the back of the net for the 66th time this season, inching ever closer to joining the exclusive group of nine players in NHL history to reach 70 goals in one season. This achievement helped the Toronto Maple Leafs secure a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, effectively dashing the Devils' hopes for the playoffs.

During the latter part of the second period, Mark Giordano and Tyler Bertuzzi netted goals just 9 seconds apart, propelling the Maple Leafs to a 3-2 advantage. Nicholas Robertson contributed with a goal of his own, and goaltender Joseph Woll denied 18 attempts.

For the Devils, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer managed to score, and goalie Jake Allen stopped 32 shots. Matthews' notable goal in the third period came from a precise shot in the circle that got past Allen. Bertuzzi later sealed the win with a goal into an empty net.

With a current tally of 66 goals, Matthews boasts the highest single-season goal count among presently active players, surpassing Alex Ovechkin's previous best of 65 goals set back in the 2007-08 season. With four games left in the regular season, Matthews is poised for more.

The Maple Leafs are set to host the Devils once more in a face-off scheduled for Thursday night in Toronto.

Historically, eight individuals have achieved the milestone of 70 goals in a regular season. Wayne Gretzky holds the record with a staggering 92 goals during the 1981-82 season. This prestigious list also includes the likes of Brett Hull, Mario Lemieux, Alexander Mogilny, Phil Esposito, Teemu Selanne, Jari Kurri, and Bernie Nicholls.

New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs Game Stats

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