The Matthews Era Begins
Auston Matthews has officially played his first NHL game as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews made his debut in last nights 5-4 OT loss to the Ottawa Senators, where the 19 year old broke history by scoring four goals in his first NHL game.
Matthews played on the Leafs third line last night centering William Nylander and Zach Hyman. The young line stole the show, as the three players had seven points combined. Matthews opened the scoring in the first to give the Leafs an early first period lead, but the Sens Bobby Ryan and Erik Karlsson helped the Sens take a 2-1 lead. Matthews then tied things up for the Leafs heading into the second. An early second period goal saw Auston Matthews complete his first career NHL hat trick in his first game. He later added a fourth to end the second period, becoming the first player in NHL history to score four goals in an NHL debut.
Despite the amazing performance put on by the Leafs 2016 1st overall pick, it was not enough to hold off the Senators as centreman Kyle Turris tied the game at four in the third, then added another goal to win the game in overtime. Frederick Andersen showed poor form, and Auston Matthews explosive debut had a disappointing finish. The Auston Matthews era has begun, and Leaf fans have a lot to look forward to being led by this talented young centreman. The Leafs are back in action Saturday night for their home opener as they host the Boston Bruins. Puck drop is at 7PM.
