‘He means everything’: Auston Matthews hits 50 at record-breaking speed in Arizona
Posted February 21, 2024 10:40 pm.
Last Updated February 22, 2024 9:08 am.
Auston Matthews opened up his house to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Then the Maple Leafs took over the Arizona Coyotes’ house.
How fitting it is that Matthews — who has set up a residency atop the NHL’s goal-scoring race — scored his 50th (and 51st) of the season during his one trip home to his native Arizona Wednesday, casually playing his usual, multi-point starring role in a 6-3 stomp of a rebuilding franchise mired in an 11-game losing skid.
Let’s be honest: With another playoff berth nearly a lock, these days life around the scorching-hot Maple Leafs revolves around No. 34 and his chase for 70. Or is it 75?
So, on the eve of his 50th, Matthews happily welcomed his teammates to his expansive home — complete with sport court, golf simulator and swimming pool — nestled near the foot of Camelback Mountain.
“He’s got a good setup,” Noah Gregor said. “It’s always nice when you’re able to play in your hometown. Guys are able to see what your life is like, and he’s got a great place. Guys got check out his place, and he’s a great host.”
Judging by a couple of sunburns, the boys had some fun in the sun on a rare day off in the desert, enjoying their downtime at Casa Papi. More important: They took care of business once it was time to clock in.
“It felt good. Nice to kinda host the guys, and we got beautiful weather and all that stuff. So, we really lucked out,” said Matthews, who brushed off his second 50-goal performance as just “a small step in a long season.”
Matthews routinely downplays and defers, but we are witnessing something spectacular here.
By reaching 50 in 54 games played — without a single empty-netter(!) — Matthews becomes the fastest U.S.-born player to touch the milestone (the previous record of 62 games was shared by Matthews and Kevin Stevens) and the fastest since Mario Lemieux ripped 50 in 50 back in 1995-96.
Matthews wanted to do it here, in front of 25 friends and family members, just as his teammates wanted it for him.
Just as the hordes of vocal Leafs fans, the ones hollering “M-V-P!” whenever the local boy done good, wanted to be one of 5,000 to say they were in the barn for No. 50.
“I was trying to give him one the whole first three shifts, four shifts we had together. So, I’ll probably get yelled at for not shooting a couple of those,” said favourite wingman Mitch Marner, who helped set up both Matthews strikes at Mullett Arena.
“We’re lucky to have him. He’s in his hometown. A lot of people here. A lot of family. A lot of loved ones. And he’s meant a lot to the city. So, to get it here, it’s pretty special.”
A few hours before Matthews hit 50 at home, linemate Matthew Knies reflected on his own minor hockey days and how incredible it was for a young, aspiring Arizonan player to know that a superstar had emerged from his home state.
“He means everything,” Knies said.
“You know, when I was growing up, he was someone to look forward to. He’s a big inspiration for a lot of kids growing up. I’m sure he is a big reason as to why a lot of kids picked up a hockey stick. He’s [instrumental] to Arizona hockey, and he means a lot to this community.”
Now on pace for a ridiculous 76 goals, Matthews and everyone in his orbit, everyone glued to the show, expects to see him light the lamp when they step into the arena.
By scoring 25.1 per cent of his club’s goals, Matthews has thrust himself into the thick of the Hart Trophy debate, and he should garner some Selke votes too.
“He’s a great leader,” Gregor said. “His work ethic is the one thing I’ve noticed — it’s really high. He’s always going in practice. He makes it hard on us in practice. He obviously leads by example in games. The way he plays, the way he competes, he is a full 200-foot player, along with being the greatest goal scorer in the league right now.”
Led by Matthews and rounded out by some elevated role players, the Maple Leafs enjoyed a season-high five-game win streak and outscored their opposition 27-11 during Morgan Rielly’s suspension, which has now been served in full.
“Morgan, in essence, was defending the pride of the group and the pride of the logo,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “I mean, this team means so much to Morgan Rielly, and in that moment he shows you how much he cares about our team and what we’re doing.
“If anything, I thought it was a real wakeup call for our team to get real serious about winning and taking care of games and rallying around the moment. The guys, to me, have very much done that. And it’s a good chance for us to continue to build upon that now and welcome Morgan back.”
Rielly returns Thursday in Las Vegas, land of playing cards, where Matthews will try to pick up 52.
