At the moment, there are only two active NHL players with three or more 50-plus-goal seasons: Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin and…wait, you were expecting us to say Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews,

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs faces criticism over his decline in performance this season. NHL insider Mike Kelly attributes it to fatigue or potential injury. Despite Matthews scoring significantly fewer goals than in prior seasons,

Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier almost clipped Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews in the face with his skate during Sunday's NHL game, as a scary injury was avoided

"Both are (were) centers," said Maple Leafs historian Kevin Shea, "and both are (were) big, athletic men who played the game with a skill that elevated them to the upper reaches of the NHL during their respective eras."

As Matthews alluded to, one difference is that where Ovechkin has been able stay healthy through the majority of his NHL career, Matthews has endured several injuries since his rookie season of 2016-17. That season, Matthews played in all 82 games, the only time he has done so in the NHL.

Auston Matthews spoke honestly about Mitch Marner’s goal after the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-2 to the Nashville Predators. The Maple Leafs started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period.

In a game thick with sturdy defence and thin on even-strength offence, the entire outcome — not to mention the mood around the Toronto Maple Leafs’ California swing — pivoted on Auston Matthews’ controversial shorthanded,

NHL insider Mike Kelly believes Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is dealing ... Maple Leafs’ game on March 29, Matthews ended up recording 1 goal and an assist in a 3-1 win.

Auston Matthews is coming off his best game in a long time. Does this mean the ailing Maple Leafs captain has turned a corner? Luke Fox takes a look.