Number 34 set a new standard for Leafs rookies, by scoring goal number 35.
Indeed Auston Matthews’s first period marker, the opening tally in the Leafs 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, was a historic one. Matthews leapfrogged long-time fan favourite Wendel Clark into sole possession of the club record for most goals in a season by a first-year player. Clark established the previous mark of 34 goals in 1985-86.
It’s no coincidence that Clark and Matthews are the only first-overall draft picks in Leafs history. Both men, in their respective rookie seasons, have terrorized opponents with a relentless drive to the net and a lethal shot.