The Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Colorado Avalanche in one of just two NHL games on Wednesday night. Having fallen 7-4 to Colorado a little over a week and a half ago, Toronto was eager to flip the script this time around and go even on points with the Florida Panthers for the Atlantic Division lead.
Toronto center Auston Matthews opened the scoring on the power play just 28 seconds into the second period after a scoreless first frame.
With that goal, he surpassed Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin for the most go-ahead goals in franchise history. He entered the game with 141 and now sits at 142.
The Avalanche responded just over two minutes later with a power-play goal from Valeri Nichushkin. However, Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz netted the game-winner early in the third period, sealing a 2-1 victory for Toronto.
While Matthews’ main focus remains winning, the milestone adds to an already decorated nine-year NHL career. His resume already includes a Calder Trophy, three Rocket Richard Trophies, a Hart Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Award, and more.
This season, the 6-foot-3 superstar has racked up 27 goals and 34 assists, bringing his total to 61 points.
Matthews and the Maple Leafs won’t have much time to rest, as they’re back in action Thursday night. They’ll head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.
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