Striker Auston Matthews chose the perfect day to become the American player on Wednesday to become the fastest player to reach 50 goals in a season.
In his 54th game of the regular calendar, the Toronto Maple Leafs carrier took advantage of his team's only visit to his native Arizona to score a brace and increase his goal total to 51, leading his team to a 6-3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs led the Coyotes. During a power play in the first period, he hit the target with a wrist shot and passed the 50 mark, to the delight of those who were close to him and witnessed his skills.
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Her spoiled admirers included her parents, Brian and Ema.
“The feeling is incredible. This is an electric moment for us. We know what he faces on a daily basis and how much work he puts in over the summer to improve as a player. We're just happy,” the father commented to Sportsnet between two periods at Mullett Arena.
“I am very proud of him. I'm his mother, of course. “Everything he does is special,” Ema Matthews added.
In a press conference after the game, number 34 returned the favor.
“They are so important that I can’t say enough good things about them. They are the best parents anyone could ask for and it is very special to achieve this with them, to complete this journey with the support of parents full of love. I feel blessed to have my family here,” said the striker.
Marner's contribution
For his part, head coach Sheldon Keefe highlighted the remaining chemistry between Matthews and teammate Mitch Marner. He also collected three assists in Arizona. He has collected at least two in each of his last five games.
“I don't know if we can say more. These are two top-class hockey players. Their respective games complement each other well. Auston does some sensational things, but Mitch was great too. I don't know if it was pure coincidence that there was a similar outbreak in Auston. When the two of them play together, that’s what you get,” Keefe told the Toronto Sun.
The Leafs return to action on Thursday night when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights. To mark the occasion, Morgan Rielly will return to competition after serving a five-game suspension in connection with his attack on Ridly Greig of the Ottawa Senators. In his absence, Toronto won all of its games. The duel will be broadcast on TVA Sports.