Matthews in rarefied air with 50th career goal
Auston Matthews' talent is unquestioned, and his ability to produce early on in his NHL career is nearly unmatched.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star notched his 50th career goal Thursday night on a penalty shot against the Los Angeles Kings, joining Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin as the only two players since 1994 to score that many in their first 96 games, according to The Athletic's James Mirtle.
Matthews' goal production in that span exceeded the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Steven Stamkos, and Connor McDavid, among others.
Goals in first 96 games:
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) November 3, 2017
Ovechkin 62
Matthews 50
Crosby 45
Malkin 40
Stamkos 36
Toews 33
McDavid 33
Tavares 30
It was Matthews' 10th goal in 14 games so far this season.
He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2016-17, piling up 69 points and playing all 82 contests.