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VIDEO: Auston Matthews Scores First Goal at World Cup of Hockey

By Chris Okrainetz

Sep 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team North America forward Auston Matthews (34) is greeted by defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) and forward Mark Scheifele (55) after scoring against Russia in the first period of preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team North America forward Auston Matthews (34) is greeted by defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) and forward Mark Scheifele (55) after scoring against Russia in the first period of preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Auston Matthews gave Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans a taste of the future on Monday night when he scored his first goal in the World Cup of Hockey.

Toronto Maple Leafs‘ fans were already excited when Team North America announced its top line would feature Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and Mark Scheifele, but I think the excitement level has exponentially increased after the trio combined for their first goal of the tournament on Monday night against Russia.

The play began following an Alex Ovechkin shot, as defenceman Colton Parayko scooped up the rebound and skated behind Team North America’s net with Ovechkin in hot pursuit. Parayko would lose the puck, but Scheifele was parked along the board for support and he would quickly poke the puck to McDavid, who would then use his blistering speed to carry the puck towards Russia’s end.

With Pavel Datsyuk draped all over McDavid, and relentlessly trying to lift his stick, the North American captain would take two strides and quickly separate himself from one of the best two-way players in hockey. With Matthews streaking down the left wing, McDavid would drive towards the net and flip an easy backhand pass onto the tape of Matthews for his first goal at the Air Canada Centre.

Next: Leafs Rookie Tournament: Day 3 Notes, Thoughts and Observations

The fans in attendance gave a roaring ovation for Matthews, as the two former No. 1 overall picks not only provided a glimpse into the NHL’s future, but also the future of the Maple Leafs.

What did you think of Matthews first goal at the Air Canada Centre? Let us know in the comments below.

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