Auston Matthews records hat trick, ties Rick Vaive for most goals in a single season in Leafs history

When all is said and done, Auston Matthews will be recognized as the best ever to suit up for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 24-year old superstar put on a show in Tampa Bay last night, posting a hat-trick and an assist during the team’s impressive 6-2 win on Monday night. By doing that, he tied Rick Vaive with most single season goals in a franchise history at 54.

Vaive accomplished the feat during the 1981-82 season when found the back of the net 54 times over a span of 77 games.

Matthews reached the 54-goal mark in just his 64th game of the season and the team’s 69th game. He needs just one more goal in the next 13 games to surpass the milestone, which is pretty much guaranteed to happen barring any unforeseen injury.