VIDEO: Auston Matthews Pots 2 More Goals Putting on Full-Court Press for 70

It seems almost inevitable at this point. Toronto Maple Leafs superstar sniper Auston Matthews isn't taking his foot off the gas in his chase for 70 goals, already potting two more to give him 68, before Thursday night's game against the New Jersey Devils was even half over. 

AUSTON MATTHEWS IS TWO GOALS AWAY FROM 70 🚨 pic.twitter.com/gV794HYrcp

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 12, 2024

His 68th goal came just eight minutes into the second period. 

It was only six minutes into the game when Matthews had already joined an elite group of just 10 players in NHL history by reaching the 67 goal mark. 

"67 ON THE BOARD!"

MATTHEWS 67th of the Season vs Devils courtesy of Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph. #LeafsForever @Bonsie1951 @Jim_Ralph @LeafsJelly

4/11/2024 pic.twitter.com/bgWI7LrA8Z

— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) April 11, 2024

He also became the first player to score 50 even-strength goals in a season in 31 years, when Teemu Selanne did it in 1992-93 with the old Winnipeg Jets.

The last time a player scored at least 50 even-strength goals in a season was Teemu Selanne in 1992-93 pic.twitter.com/gQXVWmBPhS

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) April 11, 2024

The Leafs still have three regular-season games left after this one, and with Matthews needing just two to hit the 70 mark, it's seeming almost like a certainty at this point. 

The only question being debated on Toronto sports radio these days, is will the team rest him for a game before the playoffs if he's still a goal or two short?

Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports