NHL

Auston Matthews Scores Four in NHL Debut

Auston Matthews Scores Four in NHL Debut

At just 19 years old, the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews set his first--of what may be many more to come--NHL record by becoming the first player to ever tally four goals in a debut.

Oct 17, 2016 by Jacob Messing
Auston Matthews Scores Four in NHL Debut
It may be autumn, but there is a budding Leaf in Toronto.

Auston Matthews, the first overall pick back in June, took his NHL debut one shift at a time on October 12, and ended what seemed to be the majority of them with a goal celebration.

At just 19 years old, Matthews set his first--of what may be many more to come--NHL record by becoming the first player to ever tally four goals in a debut.

The first came almost halfway through the first period, inevitably sending a shockwave of joy through Maple Leafs fans across the globe.

The second will be on highlight reels for years to come as Matthews showed his persistence with the puck and stripped two-time Norris Trophy-winner Erik Karlsson of the puck before it quickly found the back of the net.

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The third goal made him just the third player in NHL history to score a hat trick in his debut.

The fourth marked history.

All the while, Matthews kept his composure with a stern look of determination on his face that said, "The game isn't over yet."

After the game, Matthews stood in front of reporters and blamed himself for the loss. He lost coverage of Kyle Turris, who then fired a slapshot past Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen for the game-winning goal.

It takes courage and maturity for a 19-year-old to admit his mistakes, especially when an entire fan base trusts him to become their savior. Matthews was far more than four goals in his debut--he showed the ability to accept responsibility and displayed that he just may be the next captain in Toronto.