Matthews 51 goals in 50 games

[kovalchuk17]

this feat is impressive. ovie may break gretzky's career goals record and id imagine most of us thought thatd be it. auston has 257 goals at age 25. definitely lost some gp due to factors outside his control, but ovie did also. ovie also had that weird slump in his late 20s where he was 'only' scoring 30-35 goals per season.

10 years from now when auston just finished his age 34 season, he may have 750 career goals after averaging 50 goal seasons from now until then. hed then just be a shade under 150 goals behind gretzky. this stuff doesnt happen too often, lets watch and enjoy

[rataylor22]

It’s very Toronto to think that Matthews has locked in the hart lol. Like he’s probably going to win but pretending it’s some runaway case over McDavid, Gaudreau, Josi, Shesterkin is just….very Toronto of Toronto.

[doulos]

Yeah, what Josi is doing this year is absolutely insane and it's a really close call for me between him and Matthews. Shesterkin as well is just having a crazy year.

But Matthews being in Toronto means that it probably doesn't matter. He's going to win it by a landslide I expect because he plays for Toronto. Also, there is something magical about 50 in 50, and I suspect that even if things are close for some voters, that will push it over the edge. Can't stand Toronto, or Toronto fans, but I don't see it being close in the Hart voting at the end of the season.

[2014olympicgold]

If you enjoy the point shares stats it makes the case of Matthews over a lot of the MVP candidates stronger....but also shows Makar and Saros are undervalued in the public eyes
https://www.hockey-reference.com/lea...html#stats::ps

[pmorrow]

The last dash to the end of the season could determine it. McDavid could go nuts in the last stretch and seal it. Matthews could score goals at a rate not seen since the early 90s. Josi could hit 100, in which case I don't know how he doesn't get it. Shesterkin, Gaudreau, Huberdeau, Draisaitl, etc. Lots of honourable mentions.

Let's just put down our weapons for a second and enjoy what a great year it's been.

[Invictus]

Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize "Hart" stood for "51 goals in 50 games". I thought it was awarded to the player most valuable to their team...

In 2007 Ovechkin also led the league in points, was 3rd in +/- and had nearly 100 more shots than everyone else, among other things. But if you want to pretend it's ALL about the # of goals, you go ahead. It's not like there's another trophy for that already or anything.

It doesn't matter. Auston Mathews is making history!!!
There hasn't been a player to do this since 95-96!!!!

Take your most ever's and go home!

[blayze]

Josi won't even win the Norris (Makar), let alone the Hart

[Invictus]

It’s very Toronto to think that Matthews has locked in the hart lol. Like he’s probably going to win but pretending it’s some runaway case over McDavid, Gaudreau, Josi, Shesterkin is just….very Toronto of Toronto.

The parade is already planned.

Marner so underappreciated.

[rataylor22]

Good point Makar also a Hart candidate

[doulos]

Its fun to see Leafs fans on top of the world though.

It makes the inevitable soul crushing playoff losses even more enjoyable as well

[forumname]

Its fun to see Leafs fans on top of the world though.

It makes the inevitable soul crushing playoff losses even more enjoyable as well

I forgot about this delightful truth. They get so swollen with cult-like-media-fueled pride that they inevitably pop, and you get to shove it back down their throats! All of my friends that are Leafs fans are insanely biased, so it's something to look forward to for sure.

[Rylant]

Josi won't even win the Norris (Makar), let alone the Hart

Interestingly enough, in the right circumstance, I think it could be appropriate for a defenseman to win the Hart, and NOT win the Norris.

Rylant

[Invictus]

Interestingly enough, in the right circumstance, I think it could be appropriate for a defenseman to win the Hart, and NOT win the Norris.

Rylant

Agree.
I also think MVP should be awarded to goalies more often.

[Feenom]

Its fun to see Leafs fans on top of the world though.

It makes the inevitable soul crushing playoff losses even more enjoyable as well

This is the worry. The bigger they are the harder they fall. Such an uneasy feeling for Leaf fans come playoff time. Ugh.

[blayze]

Its fun to see Leafs fans on top of the world though.

It makes the inevitable soul crushing playoff losses even more enjoyable as well

I'm not delusional enough to think we're about to win the cup (although I do think we have a legit shot). Those who've been around this place long enough already know I'm not one of those fans.

This is more about Matthews winning the Hart, which I can objectively say with a level-head, is a lock.