Reconstructing Auston Matthews’ record-setting NHL debut
TORONTO — Auston Matthews checked his phone before his NHL debut and came across text messages from former teammates. It wasn’t exactly encouragement. Matthews was in their fantasy hockey lineups and a big game would sure be nice, they said.
“So hopefully I did alright,” the 19-year-old said with a grin a day later.
Fantasy hockey owners would indeed be proud. Matthews became the first player in NHL history to score four goals in his NHL debut, hitting the record against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. He scored on each of his first three NHL shots, setting the historic mark with three seconds to go in the second period.
“He’s going to have great nights down the road,” Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly said on Thursday. “But this one will be one that he’ll remember for a long time.”