Toronto Maple Leafs: An Unforgettable Debut

Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans were treated to an incredible debut from first overall pick Auston Matthews, despite the team losing the game in overtime.

The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ Centennial season kicked off with a memorable debut for Auston Matthews. This year’s first overall pick scored four goals during his first NHL game, in the Leafs 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

Matthews had two goals in the first period off two shots, but did not stop there as he scored another two in the second period, to send the hockey world into a frenzy. All the hype and excitement from the moment the Leafs won the draft lottery back in April could not prepare fans for this type of game from the first overall pick.

The last time a Leafs’ player scored four goals in a game was back in 2006, when Mats Sundin did it against the Florida Panthers. After a performance like this, the Matthews train is moving full steam ahead in Toronto. While there will be struggles along the way, he displayed the skill, determination, and maturity that makes him a special player.

A performance like Matthews’ did not go unnoticed. Players, media members and even a TV star wasted no time providing their thoughts on his incredible debut.

What made the night special for Matthews is that he was outperforming the veteran players on the team who have more experience when it comes to the pressures of playing on opening night. They are the ones expected to lead the way.

Many would have been understanding if Matthews did not score a goal in his first game. However, for him to score four will put other teams on notice that he and the rest of this young Leafs’ team are ready to compete and make every game tough.

It should also send a message to the locker room that he is ready to take the Leafs to the next level and hopefully his teammates can follow his lead. While his play on the ice was spectacular, his demeanor following the overtime winner by Kyle Turris was even more impressive.

This is definitely something you would not expect a player like Matthews to say after the type of performance he had. The fact he didn’t shy away from owning up to his mistake is a special character trait many players lack.

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Others would brush that mistake aside and say they will clean it up for the next game. However, Matthews made sure he put himself in the spotlight after the loss, even though many have been getting on Frederik Andersen for his poor performance.

It will not get any easier for Matthews, but his performance has given Leafs fans a lot to be excited for.  It will be nice to see him continue to display the dominating style of play that made him a force on the ice.

The other thing to consider is how much better Matthews will become as the season goes along. In any event, at the moment he does not look like a rookie, with his age seemingly just a number.

Next: Is it too soon to be worried about Frederik Andersen?

What do you think Matthews has in store as an encore for the Leafs? How surprised were you with his performance? Let us know in the comments below.