Toronto Maple Leafs: Things to watch and bold predictions for 2019

John Tavares and Auston Matthews reach 50 goals

The last time a Leafs player scored 50 goals in a season was back in 1993-94 when Dave Andreychuk had 53. Toronto has never had a pair of 50-goal scorers but looking at the rate Matthews and Tavares are scoring at, it is tough to think they can’t reach the rare milestone.

Right now, Tavares is on pace for 55 goals with 26 in 39 games but a mini-slump could impact his chances to do it. What works in favour of the 28-year-old is having Mitch Marner setting him up for high-quality scoring chances and the different ways he puts the puck into the net. He doesn’t rely on one particular way to do it so as long as he can keep continuing to do what he’s doing, there is no reason why he can reach 50.

You would think that missing 14 games would have impacted, Matthews’ ability to put up 50 goals but before he injured, the 2016 first overall pick was on pace for more than 60 goals.

The 21-year-old made it a point to address his shot in the off-season and find ways to improve it working at the Darryl Belfry skills camp. It also helps that he’s getting prominent time on the power play which makes it easier for Matthews to get prime opportunities.

What Matthews’ does well is get himself into a great position to score by going to the net, changing the angle of his shot with the toe drag and not hesitating when the puck is on his stick. Goalies have a tough time reacting because he can get it off before they can get into position.

The Leafs are fortunate to have this type of scoring and if both can reach 50, it would be a great accomplishment for this franchise and something fans should be grateful for.