Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Auston Matthews knows how to make an impression. He became the first No. 1 draft pick and fourth player in the NHL’s modern era to record a hat trick in his first game.
Via @EliasSports, @AM34 is the fourth player to score a hat trick in his NHL debut (in modern era, since 1943-44). #NHLFaceoff pic.twitter.com/ga34hwdolN
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 13, 2016
Matthews was incredibly efficient in earning those three goals, which were scored in only three shots.
The rookie has all three of his team’s goals in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators.
Matthews first goal of his career
Matthews second goal of his career
Matthews third goal (and first hat-trick) of his career
Update: Matthews would later add to his total, becoming the first player in NHL history to score four goals in his NHL debut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S5ZgBu54qw
If this pace holds, he’ll score a cool 328 goals this season.