Auston Matthews breaks Leafs rookie goals record with 35th of season

The face of the franchise is now the face of the history books. With a first period goal that put the blue and white up 1-0 over the Florida Panthers, Auston Matthews has set a team record for most goals by a rookie in a season, with 35.

The previous record was set by beloved winger Wendel Clark, who potted 34 goals and 11 assists in 66 games back in 1985/86. While Clark did it in fewer games, he also played in a much higher scoring era; era-adjustment statistics rate Matthews’ output significantly higher relative to the state of the game at the time.

The goal also extends William Nylander’s record for longest point streak by a Leafs rookie; his secondary assist extends his run of form to twelve games.