**Title: Mats Sundin May Witness Auston Matthews' Record-Breaking Goal**

Auston Matthews is closing in on Mats Sundin’s franchise record of 420 career goals. As of Thursday's game against the Rangers, Matthews needs just 16 goals to tie Sundin's mark. With the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony scheduled for November 10, Sundin is expected to be in the area. He has a personal connection to the event, as his former linemate, Alex Mogilny, will be inducted.

Sundin is also set to appear at the Sport Card Expo in the Greater Toronto Area for an autograph session a few days before the induction ceremony. The 54-year-old former player expressed a desire to witness Matthews break his record in person, stating last year, "I’d like to be there in person in whatever rink he eclipses my mark."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a busy schedule leading up to the Hall of Fame Game. They will play 11 games, including home games against Boston on November 8 and Carolina on November 9, before heading back to Boston for a game on Remembrance Day.

Matthews has scored two empty-net goals this season, but he also netted a crucial goal on Tuesday, assisted by Matthew Knies during a 2-on-1 play. This goal came after Nashville goalie Justus Annunen was drawn out of position, allowing Matthews an easy tap-in. Currently, Matthews and Mitch Marner share the franchise record for empty-net goals in regular-season play, each with 16. Sundin had nine empty-netters during his time with the Leafs.

In another notable achievement, John Tavares is just two points shy of surpassing Darryl Sittler in career NHL points, with Tavares at 1,121 and Sittler at 1,119. Both players are ranked 65th and 66th, respectively, on the all-time league list.

The Maple Leafs are maintaining their strong performance, having made the playoffs for nine consecutive years. As of Wednesday, they were tied for fifth in the league for blocked shots, with 63. However, the team is facing some injury challenges. Center Scott Laughton is on injured reserve due to a lower-leg injury, and defenseman Brandon Carlo recently suffered a stinger that required assistance off the ice. Knies also experienced discomfort during a game but reported that he was able to recover quickly.

Carlo emphasized the importance of blocking shots, saying, "I personally love blocking shots. It’s great to get in those lanes and not allow those pucks to come to the net."

The Leafs have also been aggressive in their physical play, recording 100 hits in their first four games, which ties them for eighth in the league. Rookie Easton Cowan has made an impact, contributing five hits in his first two NHL games.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have struggled at home, failing to score in their first three games at Madison Square Garden, despite taking 90 shots. Their two victories have come on the road. Rangers captain J.T. Miller urged caution, stating, "Let’s not blow this out of proportion. There’s a lot of good. We’re getting a lot of chances."

As the Leafs prepare to face the Rangers, they remain aware of the challenges ahead, especially with the Rangers looking to break their home scoring drought.