While there aren’t as many style points associated with an empty-netter, there is no bad way to score a 50th goal, and to get it done on home ice to celebrate with a standing ovation from the Scotiabank Arena fans against a hated rival in the Jets will do just fine.
As outstanding of an achievement as this is to finally post the number, it speaks to Matthews’ obscene goal-scoring prowess that it feels multiple years overdue for the six-year pro. Matthews has played the last two seasons at a better-than-50-goal pace — 47 goals in 70 games and 41 goals in 52 games, respectively — but was robbed of the milestone by the Covid-shortened schedules in 2019-20 and 2020-21.