Auston Matthews achieved his sixth hat trick of the season in a win over the Anaheim Ducks, tying historical records set by Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, and is on pace to potentially be the first player since the 1992-93 season to score 70 goals.
Oh, Auston Matthews is at it again. This Saturday, he lit up the scoreboard, notching his sixth hat trick of the season. This led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a staggering 9-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Impressive, right?
But wait, there’s more. Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff dropped a stat that really puts Matthews’ year into perspective. It’s not just good; it’s historic.
Just last Saturday, Matthews pulled off his second hat trick in as many games. He did the same thing against the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 15. What’s even more mind-blowing? He’s managed back-to-back hat tricks twice this season. The last guy to do that? Wayne Gretzky, back in ’83-’84.
And on Saturday, Matthews didn’t just score a hat trick. He tied a record. A record held by legends like Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. We’re talking about the fifth-most hat tricks in a single season. Gretzky’s record? Ten. And Matthews is on his way.
To say he’s on fire is putting it mildly. On Saturday alone, he racked up five points, and he wasn’t even on the ice for a full 15 minutes. Over the last 12 games? He’s stacked 23 points. That’s 15 goals and eight assists since halfway through the season.
With 48 goals this year, Matthews is eyeing the top spot for the third time in four seasons. MVP talks? He’s leading them. And now, the big question. Can he hit 70 goals with 29 games left? If he does, he’ll be the first since the ’92-’93 season when Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny each scored 76.
Crazy, huh?
