Forget a 70 Goal Season, Auston Matthews is Going for 80!

Auston Matthews is setting the ice on fire with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, and the hockey world is taking notice. The conversation buzzing around whether he can hit the 70-goal mark needs to pause, because, frankly, it's almost a guarantee at this rate. However, what we really need to start considering is the possibility of Matthews reaching the elusive 80-goal milestone.

With just 26 games remaining in the season, Matthews finds himself in a prime position to make history. He needs a mere 28 goals to reach the 70-goal threshold, and judging by his current form, it's well within his reach. The question now becomes: can he push past 70 and aim for the coveted 80-goal mark?

The answer is a resounding yes. Matthews has been consistently lighting up the scoreboard, particularly in recent months. In January alone, he netted an impressive 11 goals in just 13 games, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net with ease. His December performance was equally stellar, tallying 15 goals in 12 games. Despite a slight hiccup against Vegas, where he had an off night by his standards, Matthews remains a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

When comparing Matthews' potential achievement to historical milestones, it's clear that he's in elite company. Wayne Gretzky's record of 92 goals in a single season may seem insurmountable, but Matthews has the talent and determination to make a serious run at it. Other legends of the game, such as Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux, have come tantalizingly close to reaching the 80-goal mark, further illustrating that it's not an impossible feat.

Some may be skeptical of Matthews' chances, but dismissing the possibility outright would be premature. In fact, based on his current trajectory, an 80-goal season is not only feasible but increasingly likely. Even conservative estimates give Matthews a significant chance of making history, with some experts pegging the likelihood at around 8%.

As the season heats up and the race for the playoffs intensifies, all eyes will be on Auston Matthews as he continues his pursuit of greatness. Whether he ultimately reaches the 80-goal milestone remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: with Matthews on the ice, anything is possible.