Auston Matthews Breaks Mats Sundin's Long-Standing Toronto Maple Leafs Franchise Record

Auston Matthews is one of the best players in the entire NHL and when he is healthy, he is a goal-scoring machine that cannot be stopped.

In 53 games this season, Matthews has 27 goals and the last few games have been especially productive for him after a stretch of bad hockey.

In fact, Matthews scored the first goal of the game against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. While it wasn't the game-winning goal, it helped contribute to a huge win for the Leafs.

As it turns out, Matthews' goal also broke a long-standing record for the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise.

Coming into this game, the legendary Mats Sundin and Auston Matthews were both tied with 141 go-ahead goals in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform.

However, once the captain scored the first goal of the game, he surpassed Sundin, bringing him to 142 go-ahead goals in his career with the Leafs.

Auston Matthews now has 395 goals in his career. Mats Sundin finished his career with a total of 564 goals, 420 of which came in a Maple Leafs uniform.

Needless to say, the captain still has a long way to go before he finds himself on the same level as Sundin. Although considering the fact that he is only 27, there is no doubt that he will someday reach those heights.

Last night's win was huge for the Maple Leafs as they are now tied with the Florida Panthers for first in the Atlantic Division.

What makes this especially noteworthy is the fact that both teams have played the same amount of games, which means there are no more excuses for the points picture.

Ultimately, the Leafs will want the best possible matchup come playoff time, and if the playoffs were to begin today, they would be playing the Tampa Bay Lightning.