The milestone race is on as Leafs’ Auston Matthews and Oilers’ Connor McDavid square off in Toronto
Two stars who have become friends are chasing historic seasons, but would 70 goals or 100 assists be more impressive?
When Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews went first overall in the NHL draft in back-to-back years, fans, media and the teams themselves had visions of glory dancing in their heads.
The two have kept up their end of the bargain.
Matthews became the first Maple Leafs player to score 60 goals (2021-22), and has at times this season flirted with a 70-goal pace, a number not achieved by a shooter since Alex Mogilny and Teemu Selanne both got there in 1993. He’s won the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay, the Rocket Richard Trophy twice and the Calder Trophy.
McDavid has done even better. He outdid Matthews’ mark last year, getting to 65 goals. He’s won the Hart three times, the Lindsay four times, the Art Ross Trophy five times, as well as the Rocket. And this year is flirting with a 100-assist pace.
“We just have to appreciate it and just enjoy it,” said Leafs captain John Tavares. “I think it just shows how good they are, this generation of players we have right now and why our game is in such a good place.
“For me playing with and against those types of players, it’s phenomenal. I’m just really thankful one of them is on my side.”
Which feat — 70 goals or 100 assists — would more impressive? Eight different players hit 70 goals, with Wayne Gretzky doing it four times, Brett Hull doing it three times, and Mario Lemieux doing it twice.
“It’s one thing for player to have scored 60, but you’re in rarefied air when you get for 70,” says TSN analyst Craig Button. “I don’t think there’s any question that Auston is the best goal-scorer in the game. Much like McDavid, when you have a special quality like he does, you’re going to do special things.
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