The Philadelphia Flyers found out why Auston Matthews is making a serious bid for 70 goals this season in a few short minutes on Thursday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star had a natural hat trick in a span of 7:49 late in the second period, erasing a 1-0 deficit in a hurry.
The three-goal flurry, giving Matthews 45 on the season, caused several changes to the Leafs' record book.
It was Matthews' fifth hat trick of the season, tying a franchise record.
It also marked his 72nd career multi-goal game, overtaking Darryl Sittler's record of 71.
Matthews now has 27 goals in the team's first 25 home games, tying a record set by Charlie Conacher in 1933-34.
Matthews is now on pace for 71 goals. No player has scored 70 in a season since Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny each scored 76 in 1992-93.
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