Leafs’ Auston Matthews blanked as mission for 70 objectives rejected
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ESPN News Services
Apr 17, 2024, 11:49 PM ET
TAMPA, Fla.– Auston Matthews showed up empty in his quote to end up being the ninth gamer in NHL history to score 70 objectives in a season Wednesday night in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the regular-season ending.
Matthews was rejected on all 7 first-period shots by 29-year-old novice goalie Matt Tomkins, then soared a shot off the post midway through the 2nd duration. Tomkins ended up with 34 conserves, consisting of 12 on Matthews, in his 6th NHL start.
Matthews’ 12 shots on objective were connected for his second-most in a video game this season.
“I desired it, for sure, however it simply wasn’t implied to be,” stated Matthews, who went scoreless on back-to-back nights versus the Florida Panthers and Lightning. “The most essential thing is the group and the group’s success, making certain I’m pulling my weight as a leader on this group and assist the group win. That’s where my focus is at.”
Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe stated there’s more to Matthews’ video game than putting the puck in the internet.
“He’s played so greatly well,” Keefe stated. “I understand there’s been a great deal of concentrate on him reaching 70 objectives; you type of forget how well he’s played. The method he’s played these last 2 video games– offer him those kinds of opportunities and those kinds of shots, and he might have had 75. It wasn’t implied to be, which’s okay– 69 is an astounding season.”
Matthews’ successive scoreless video games followed an eight-game objective streak in which he scored 10 objectives.
The third-place Maple Leafs open the playoffs in Boston versus the second-place Bruins on Saturday.
The Associated Press added to this report.