Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs
After Toronto’s 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers, Auston Matthews made sure to give his thanks to Mats Sundin and the team after breaking the franchise all-time goals record.
The team put together a celebration for Matthews that included Sundin, and the former Maple Leafs captain also gave his own praise and made sure that the current captain got his flowers.
Matthews was naturally more reserved and respectful in his comments, but he was extremely thankful nonetheless, and kept his hot streak going with another goal; his seventh in five games.
Auston Matthews gives Mats Sundin ton of love after 4-1 win
Speaking to reporters after the team’s 4-1 win, Matthews’ focus was all on Sundin and the appreciation he was shown after breaking the record, noting how important it was for him to be there and how important he is to the legacy of the Maple Leafs:
All of it means a lot. It’s special to wear this jersey. It’s an absolute honour. To have Mats come in, to have so many players before us that have paved the way and worn this jersey. I’m very appreciative.
It’s what you would come to expect from a Matthews post-game, as he may not have shown a ton of emotion however you can tell he understood the gravity of the situation.
New record, old Matthews: How the captain is making a comeback
Sitting atop the mountain in one of the NHL’s longest franchises, he’s likely going to be number one for a long, long time until the next franchise superstar comes into the mix.
But for now, things are solely on Matthews and how he can continue to help the team as they continue on their playoff journey in a tight Atlantic Division.
A huge win against Florida should give Toronto a lot of confidence heading into Thursday’s game against Philadelphia on Thursday and if Matthews scores again, then we can almost assuredly say he’s back.
That would give him a five-game point streak and make it known to the rest of the league that while the Maple Leafs may have been down; they are certainly not out.
Tuesday night was all about Auston Matthews, and he was able to cap it off with an important win. Though to him, nothing was more paramount than having Sundin graciously pass the torch.
Previously on Hockey Patrol