Auston Matthews scores twice to become Leafs' all-time goal-scoring leader

Field Level Media|published: Sun 4th January, 02:07 2026

Jan 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Auston Matthews became the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time leading goal scorer Saturday night, when he scored his team's first two goals in a 5-4 overtime loss to the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y.

Matthews tied Mats Sundin with his 420th career goal on an impressive unassisted tally 9:30 into the second. The Maple Leafs captain picked up a loose puck at the edge of the Islanders' zone and skated around New York defenseman Scott Mayfield while keeping the puck at stick's length before he tucked a shot into the net while skating across the crease.

Matthews collected the record-breaker and put the Maple Leafs ahead with 2:41 remaining in the period, when he took a cross-ice pass from Bobby McMann and fired a shot beyond David Rittich's glove.

Matthews grinned broadly and raised his arms while teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson raced over for an embrace. The Maple Leafs spilled on to the ice and mobbed Matthews against the boards across from their bench.

The 28-year-old broke Sundin's record in his 664th career regular season game -- 317 fewer than Sundin needed to set the record from 1994 through 2008.

Matthews is the second visiting player to collect a milestone goal against the Islanders at UBS Arena in the last nine months. The Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL record by scoring his 895th goal in a 4-1 loss on April 6.

--Field Level Media