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Auston Matthews

shack

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Breaking any scoring benchmark from 1980's is a huge accomplishment!
Right now, I'd say it is a bit of a wash between the two.

Admittedly there was much more goal scoring in Wendel's day, however he did it in 66 games (broken foot--missed one month) and Matthews took 73 (I think).
 

glamphotographer

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Right now, I'd say it is a bit of a wash between the two.

Admittedly there was much more goal scoring in Wendel's day, however he did it in 66 games (broken foot--missed one month) and Matthews took 73 (I think).
I read somewhere where someone adjusted the scoring for the era's and Matthews would be equaled to 52 goals in the 80's.
 

shack

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I read somewhere where someone adjusted the scoring for the era's and Matthews would be equaled to 52 goals in the 80's.
Is that for a whole season based on his current rate or just based on how many games so far? Do you know what Wendel's 34 in 66 games would be equal to today?
 

Samranchoi

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It is so hard to compare Wendel Clark and Auston Matthews rookie statistics based solely on goal scoring as the type of games each played in are so different, just like the style of game each played are so very different. The dynamics that they brought to their teams was/is so very much different.

Clark had 23 fights in his rookie season and spent 227 minutes in the penalty box. This equates to almost 4 more games in total time that he missed (Auston has 14 minutes). His shooting percentage was also higher at just over 20% while Matthews is in the 13% range. The amount of fights and physically toughness that Wendel had, could be argued, took a physical toll on his body that Matthews does not have to face on a nightly bases. Imagine if Wendel had Austons Overall size (4" in height and 20lbs in weight).

Both were/are great players and their games gave and are bringing excitement to the fans. Admire both for what they are. Clark will always be loved in the city for how he played and Matthews will attain legend status if he continues to play at the level he is now. If he does, and there is no reason to doubt he will keep improving, he will most likely be considered the greatest Maple Leaf ever by the end of his career. It is amazing the maturity level Matthews has at such a young age.
 

smuddan

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It is so hard to compare Wendel Clark and Auston Matthews rookie statistics based solely on goal scoring as the type of games each played in are so different, just like the style of game each played are so very different. The dynamics that they brought to their teams was/is so very much different.

Clark had 23 fights in his rookie season and spent 227 minutes in the penalty box. This equates to almost 4 more games in total time that he missed (Auston has 14 minutes). His shooting percentage was also higher at just over 20% while Matthews is in the 13% range. The amount of fights and physically toughness that Wendel had, could be argued, took a physical toll on his body that Matthews does not have to face on a nightly bases. Imagine if Wendel had Austons Overall size (4" in height and 20lbs in weight).

Both were/are great players and their games gave and are bringing excitement to the fans. Admire both for what they are. Clark will always be loved in the city for how he played and Matthews will attain legend status if he continues to play at the level he is now. If he does, and there is no reason to doubt he will keep improving, he will most likely be considered the greatest Maple Leaf ever by the end of his career. It is amazing the maturity level Matthews has at such a young age.
Excellent analysis.

Wendel is my all time favourite Leaf. He played in an era when fighting and bone crashing hits dominated the high lights on tv, but in today's NHL, fighting has become inconsequential and the majority of Clark's hits would result in penalties and suspensions. With the rule changes, I don't think you'll ever see another rookie who can have as many fights, hard hits, and goals combined.

Matthews's game is less spectacular if you only look at his stats, but if you pay attention to how he plays in both ends of the rink, I don't think many will argue that he has the potential to be one of the best all round players in Leafs' history.
 

glamphotographer

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Matthews now at 38 goals. Amazing when you can score double your age in the NHL. Closing in on 40 goals.
 

shack

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glamphotographer

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Matthews also tied Neal Broten for most goals by an American rookie. I had thought Patrick Kane had done it but nope.
 

K Douglas

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Matthews is ending the season much the way he started it. I think he's the clear front runner for the Calder. Laine and Marner have had exceptional rookie seasons as well. But neither had to perform with the amount of pressure that Matthews has.
 

dirkd101

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Patrick Kane only got 21 goals in his rookie year
Kane wasn't anywhere near the player Matthews is when he was in his rookie year. I recall his rookie campaign well, you could tell he was talented, but his size was an issue, as he used to get muscled off the puck quite easily. Mathhews is a much bigger player and you can see that this isn't the case. Kane's first playoff he was shut down by physical play and was a lot like Casper out there. You can see now that Kane has learned to play in the league now and is an effective and skilled player.
 

kyleb899

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Patrik Laine has 36 goals in 71 NHL games

Patrik Laine has 64 NHL points

Auston Matthews has 67 NHL points
 
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