Mats Sundin praises Matthews, calls him a superstar after record-breaking goal

The historic moment occurred during the second period of Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. Max Domi was able to fend off the opposition to keep the puck onside before spotting Bobby McMann along the wall. Matthews gained some separation by setting himself up at the right circle and blasting a one-timer off McMann’s feed for his 421st career goal.

Although the record-breaking goal happened on a night the Leafs went on to lose in overtime, it is a moment that many fans will never forget.

“It’s great to see him get the record,” Sundin said to TheLeafsNation’s Nick Alberga and Zack Phillips on Sunday. “ I know myself being in the same situation, it could drag on and become something that is annoying you during the season and a very important part of the regular season. So I’m sure he’s glad of getting the record behind him and focusing on the rest of the season.”

Sundin previously set the record as the Leafs’ all-time goals leader on October 11, 2007, which was, coincidentally, against the Islanders. The crowd at the then-named Air Canada Centre stopped the game to give him a lengthy standing ovation in appreciation of his efforts, which continued on well after play eventually resumed. When reflecting on the moment, Sundin said he also felt a sense of relief to have finally achieved the record, so he could focus his efforts on the rest of that campaign.

While he hasn’t had a chance to speak with Matthews just yet since the record was broken, Sundin did make clear that it has been a treat to watch the current captain don the Blue and White.

“ Auston has really shown during his career that he’s very consistent in his production,” Sundin said. “ People ask me many times what does it take to be a star in the National Hockey League. And I would say a lot of different players can go in and have a great game, score a goal, have a couple assists, and be a good player in one game. But to do it week in and week out, months, years, and just keep going with the production, that’s what makes a superstar in the league, just like Auston Matthews.”

A goals record isn’t made possible without the support of your teammates to help make it a reality, something that both Sundin and Matthews knew on their respective journeys to rewriting the Leafs record books. Linemates may come and go, but making the most of it and giving it your all every night to help your team secure the win is what matters most.

It also helps you battle through the kind of adversity that the Leafs have been dealing with this season, which Sundin can sense has been a frustrating experience for fans who haven’t been accustomed to regular-season struggles in a while.

“Sometimes when teams go through adversity, and coach [Craig] Berube could tell you that with St. Louis, is it really strengthens the team,” he said. “ If you have the right people in your dressing room, the culture’s gonna get stronger and players learn to trust each other more and accept roles and become better at the end of the day. Toronto’s battled through a lot of injuries at the first half of the season, and I’m sure they’re gonna finish strong the rest of the way.”

You can watch the full interview with Sundin down below:

Mats Sundin praises Matthews, calls him a superstar after record-breaking goal

Sponsored by bet365

Leave a Reply Cancel reply