AUSTON MATTHEWS JOINS ELITE COMPANY

Last night, Toronto Maple Leaf forward Auston Matthews equalled a mark held by former Leaf legend, Dave Keon. Matthews' second period tally against the Buffalo Sabres gave him 20 goals on the season. By reaching this total, he became only the second Leaf to hit the 20 goal mark in each of his first four seasons in the NHL.

In comparison to Matthews, Keon reached the 20 goal mark in his fourth season on March 14, 1964. And he did it in spectacular fashion. In the opening period against the New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens, Keon scored his 19th and 20th goals. He added 3 assists for a 5-point night. The Leafs defeated the Rangers 7-3.

As result of a blockbuster deal with the Rangers on February 22, 1964, Keon found himself playing with two Rangers that came over in the trade - Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney. Keon was previously teamed with Dick Duff and George Armstrong. The Rangers obtained Duff and Bob Nevin in the transaction.

"There wasn't a goal against the line," Keon told reporters following the game. "And that's our best showing so far. We were on for five Toronto goals." He then talked about playing with his new linemates. "McKenney likes to skate but Bathgate has been accustomed to that Ranger stop and go system where the man with the puck waits for the other guys to penetrate, then drops it through. But, as I say, if you handle your own zone, the rest is easy."

Known as a complete hockey player, Keon explained that there was more to the game than just producing goals and points. "Goals alone couldn't be enough to satisfy you. I mean that's no proof you're playing well. The idea is to do a two-way job and the points are bound to come."

Keon continued the 20 goal streak which lasted for 6 consecutive seasons - 1960-61 to 1965-66. In his fourth year, he finished with 23 goals.

"It's a big honour to be named in the same breath as that guy {Keon}, his career and what he did here. You know, it's pretty unbelievable," Matthews said after the Leafs 5-3 victory over the Buffalo.