OT WoW! 19 Year Old Auston Matthews makes history in thrilling NHL debut for Leafs

http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/...onto-maple-leafs-records-four-goals-nhl-debut

Auston Matthews delivered an NHL debut for the ages Wednesday night, scoring four goals on a night that won't soon be forgotten in the rich history of the Maple Leafs.

The 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, chosen first overall in June's NHL draft, scored on his first three shots against theOttawa Senators, the hat trick prompting visiting Leafs fans at the Canadian Tire Center to throw hats on the ice.

Three was not enough, however.

Matthews took a pass from linemateWilliam Nylander on a 2-on-1 break and scored a fourth goal (on just his sixth shot) with three seconds left in the second period, becoming the first player in modern NHL history to score that many in his debut.

Toronto went on to win the NHL season opener in overtime, 5-4.

Derek Stepan of the New York Rangers (2010), Fabian Brunnstrom of theDallas Stars (2008), Real Cloutier of the Quebec Nordiques (1979) and Alex Smart of the Montreal Canadiens (1943).

Matthews scored on his first shot 8:21 into the first period, snapping in a pass from Zach Hyman during a scrum around the net.

His second goal came with 5:42 left in the first, after he dangled through a pair of Senators near the blue line. After briefly losing possession, he stole the puck from two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson along the boards then beat goalie Craig Anderson with an odd-angle forehand.

Matthews put Toronto ahead 3-2 with a one-timer from inside the right circle on a feed from Morgan Rielly 1:25 into the second period.

He then netted historic No. 4 with 3 seconds left in the second period, breaking a 3-3 tie.

At his current pace, Matthews will break Wayne Gretzky's NHL record for goals in late February of 2019, in his third NHL season and his 224th NHL game. Gretzky had 186 goals in his first 224 NHL games.

Matthews is the 12th first overall pick to score in his NHL debut.

His parents, Brian and Ema Matthews, were at the game Wednesday night and the look on their faces after each goal translated pure emotion.

Matthews Mania no doubt already is sweeping the NHL, but don't be in a rush to buy any of his jerseys just yet.

The NHL official store does not have any Matthews jerseys ready to go, so if fans want to purchase one, they have to customize it.

The Leafs, who finished 30th overall in the standings in 2015-16, were accused by may of tanking last season in their attempt to secure the best possible odds in the NHL draft lottery to get Matthews. They lost out the previous year in the lottery, with the Oilers taking Connor McDavid first overall.

This time the Leafs won the lottery, and there wasn't any hesitation in making Matthews the first overall pick. He is at the heart of a massive rebuild, the Leafs' Stanley Cup drought dating back to 1967 and the current regime led by presidentBrendan Shanahan, general manager Lou Lamoriello and coach Mike Babcock intent on making this youth movement work.

Matthews arrives with a ton of hype in hockey's biggest market but has already shown maturity beyond his years.

"The job that his parents have done with him, with the maturity, the respectfulness and the politeness, it just comes out loud and clear," Lamoriello told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "We found that out right away when we had the opportunity to sit down with his parents and sisters. And then, spending some time with him, prior to the draft. He certainly has a presence about him, the way he handles himself beyond his age. Right now he just has to not expect too much of himself. He has to grow. He's still young, [it's his] first year in the league, there are a lot of highs and lows.''

 

gotta admit, that's pretty damn impressive. And I'm no hockey fan.

 

The listing under the Wikipedia app has him as "GOD." Think it's safe to say that Leafs fans are impressed.

 

What the fuck is a Maple Leaf? Some kind of beer?

 

Yeah, that makes sense. I see no reason why he won't sustain this pace for the next two and a half years. I mean, he did it once. No reason to think he can't do it again 223 more times in a row.

BNM

 

Mario Lemeux is better.

 

Neat story, I wonder if the world has a new famous young Opera singer or maybe a young new Broadway star I can ignore like I will this.

 

Didn't watch video but I'm sure it is super sweet.

 

It's a breakfast bong at Uncle Spliffy's

 

What's hockey? Is that like ice soccer?

 

I believe it's a sport practiced primarily in Canada and other areas which experience extended periods of bad weather, leading to severe sinus congestion among its inhabitants. Players in poorer neighborhoods score points by hocking loogeys at targets, typically drawn on playground walls.

 

Haha! You wouldn't get very far flopping in a hockey game.

 

Damian Lillard is a better hockey player than Chris Paul.

 

They actually call penalties for flopping in hockey. They call it "diving" it gets you 2 minutes in the box.