Auston Matthews Looks to Become Fastest Active Player to Reach 50 Goals in a Season in Hometown Return Against Arizona Coyotes
Matthews has 49 goals in 53 games
Auston Matthews gives a brief nod to his individual milestones when asked about them, but he follows the lead of other high-caliber professionals by deflecting accolades and staying focused on his team’s objectives.
Nevertheless, his colleagues cannot contain their enthusiasm at the possibility of witnessing the NHL’s leading scorer accomplish a potential 50th goal in his birthplace.
Maple Leafs captain John Tavares expressed his confidence in Matthews, stating that they definitely want to witness his performance. According to him, the chances of success are quite high due to Matthew’s commendable mindset which focuses on making an impact and finishing opportunities without getting distracted by statistics or streaks.
As Matthews enters his 54th match of the campaign, he boasts an impressive goal tally of 49 and has been consistently finding the back of the net at a staggering rate, averaging almost one goal per game with a score ratio of 0.92. To put this in context, during his triumphant Hart Trophy-winning season (2021-22) where he became the first player to notch up more than sixty goals in over ten years, his average was slightly lower at only 0.82 goals scored per outing.
On Wednesday, the Arizona Coyotes will host the Maple Leafs and their prominent player. 20 loved ones are expected to be present at this eventful match in hopes of seeing his fiftieth goal being scored.
Above all else, his desire is to triumph over a team they have lost to in the past four encounters.
Matthews expressed his excitement, stating that it would be fantastic and amazing. However, he remains focused on executing and playing to the best of his abilities. Despite this, Matthews emphasized the importance of keeping up their momentum as a team since they have struggled against their opponents in recent years.
The starting goalie position for Arizona will be taken by Karel Vejmelka, the Coyotes’ skilled netminder. He boasts an unbeaten record of 3 wins and no losses with a remarkable save percentage of .943 from his encounters against the Leafs.
Phoenix local Matthew Knies is set to make his NHL debut at Mullett Arena, alongside Matthews’ return to the desert. With a humorous quip earlier in the week about filling half a section with 50-60 of his loved ones and friends, he also hopes that he can assist Matthews in achieving goal number 50.
“I am extremely excited for him and will make every effort to pass the puck his way frequently throughout tonight’s game.”
