The race between Leafs’ Auston Matthews and Oilers’ Connor McDavid heats up as they go head-to-head in Toronto.

When Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews were selected first overall in consecutive NHL drafts, there were high expectations from fans, media, and their respective teams.

Both players have exceeded those expectations.

Matthews achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Maple Leafs player to score 60 goals in the 2021-2022 season. At times during this season, he has even approached a pace of scoring 70 goals, a feat not accomplished since 1993 when both Alex Mogilny and Teemu Selanne reached that mark. Matthews has also garnered several prestigious awards, including the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, the Rocket Richard Trophy twice, and the Calder Trophy.

Meanwhile, McDavid has achieved even greater success. He surpassed Matthews’ mark last season by reaching 65 goals. McDavid has claimed the Hart Trophy three times, the Ted Lindsay Award four times, the Art Ross Trophy five times, and the Rocket Richard Trophy. Additionally, this season, he is on track to reach a pace of 100 assists.

John Tavares, captain of the Leafs, emphasized the need to appreciate and enjoy the talent of both players. He highlighted the exceptional skill level of this generation of players, which contributes to the overall strength of the game.

When discussing which accomplishment is more impressive—scoring 70 goals or tallying 100 assists—it’s noted that only eight players in NHL history have reached the 70-goal mark. Wayne Gretzky achieved this feat four times, Brett Hull three times, and Mario Lemieux twice. TSN analyst Craig Button asserts that while scoring 60 goals is remarkable, reaching 70 goals places a player in an elite category. He also praises Matthews as the best goal-scorer in the game, akin to McDavid’s exceptional qualities leading to extraordinary achievements.