A four-goal NHL debut is fantastic, but taken in isolation, it’s more a matter for trivia or curiosity than it is an indicator of future greatness. Taken in the context of what we already know about Auston Matthews, however, it becomes the latest sign that the Toronto Maple Leafs pivot is going to leave his mark on the game of hockey.
Shows up, ties skates, sets modern-day record. pic.twitter.com/tk6Zyt1uJt
— NHL (@NHL) October 13, 2016
Matthews’ four goals against Ottawa in the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 loss on Wednesday night was an NHL record, eclipsing a mark first set in 1943 by Alex Smart of the Montreal Canadiens.