Auston Matthews continues his 'unreal' season, reaches 60 goals as Toronto Maple Leafs cruise

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On Tuesday night, Matthews scored his NHL-leading 59th and 60th goals of the season as the Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings to win home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Steven Stamkos was the last player to score 60 times in a season.

Matthews made it clear all season that the Maple Leafs have bigger and better plans than regular-season statistics, and during his postgame media availability, he stayed true to his strategy.

He said that the job was not done.

The Toronto Maple Leafs set a franchise record with their 30th home victory of the season, as John Tavares had the other goal and Jack Campbell made 20 saves. William had two assists.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will open the playoffs next week against either the Boston Bruins or the Tampa Bay Lightning, as the second seed in the Atlantic Division.

Matthews, who missed three in a row with an undisclosed injury, had a number of great looks through the first 35 minutes before finally finding the back of the net with 4:12 left in the second period.

It is special, it is unique, and it is rare. He takes his craft very seriously and I am really happy for him. To see him at the top of his game is outstanding.

Matthews scored his 59th goal of the season after being fed by Spezza in the middle of a line change.

The captain of the team said that the season was unbelievable.

Matthews became the first player in NHL history to score 60 goals in a season when he netted his goal on a power play at 5:49 of the third.

Matthews received a standing ovation from his teammates and some fans threw hats on the ice to honor his accomplishment.

It was pretty special. Matthews said that the reception from his teammates, the crowd, everything, sent chills down his bones. It is hard to put into words.

Matthews and Toronto will have a harder time getting past the first round next week. The Bruins have rallied after a slow start and the Lightning are back-to-back Stanley Cup winners. The last three Eastern Conference titles have been won by both teams.

The Maple Leafs will host the Bruins in the regular-season finale.

The report was contributed to by the Associated Press.