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Auston Matthews hits the 30-goal mark again (video)

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 6: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff against the Vegas Golden Knights during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in an overtime shoot-out. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Auston Matthews

Claus Andersen

Auston Matthews put himself in some distinguished company with his 30th goal of the season on Wednesday

Matthews’ first-period snipe from the slot, first and foremost, gave the American two 30-goal campaigns in succession. As a rookie, Matthews dropped 40 last year playing in all 82 games for the Maple Leafs.

This year hasn’t been so kind in the injury department. A few injuries have limited Matthews to 57 games -- including a recent return on March 22 from a month layoff due to a shoulder injury -- but he’s managed well in spite, with 54 points now in 57 games.

Matthews put himself in the same conversation as Maple Leafs legends Wendel Clark and Daniel Marois with his consecutive 30-goal campaigns.

And on top of that, Matthews became just the fifth American-born players to accomplish the feat, joining some pretty stellar company there as well.

Wednesday’s just another reminder of how valuable Matthews is when he’s in the lineup. Matthews pushed his current point streak to five games with the marker.


Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck