NHL NEWS OCTOBER 12 – MATTHEWS DAZZLES IN HISTORIC NHL DEBUT

Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (4-0—4) scored the first four goals of his NHL career – including a hat trick by the 1:25 mark of the second period – to become the first player in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) to score four times in his League debut.

Four other players scored at least three goals in their first NHL game prior to 1943-44: Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Smart (Jan. 14, 1943 vs. CHI: 3 G) and three players who accomplished the feat on the first day of NHL games on Dec. 19, 1917, but who had all played previously in the National Hockey Association, the direct predecessor to the NHL – Canadiens forward Joe Malone (5 G), Montreal Wanderers forward Harry Hyland (5 G) and Toronto Arenas forward Reg Noble (4 G).

“I think everybody was like ‘What’s going on here?’ Like I said, you don’t really draw it up like that. It would have been nice just to get the win.” – Auston Matthews

Matthews, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, joined Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (Oct. 5, 2005: 2-0—2 vs. CBJ) as the only top picks to score multiple times in their NHL debuts.

Final score OTTAWA 5, Toronto 4 (OT)

MCDAVID LEADS OILERS TO VICTORY IN ROGERS PLACE OPENER

In his first regular-season game as Oilers captain, Connor McDavid (2-1—3) collected three points, including the game-winning goal on a penalty shot, to help Edmonton christen Rogers Place with an opening-night victory.

McDavid converted on his first career penalty shot and the first at Rogers Place.Wayne Gretzky tallied the first such goal at Rexall Place (then Northlands Coliseum) on Jan. 19, 1983 vs. WPG.

McDavid, who registered his fourth and fifth career multi-goal and three-point games, respectively, has collected 18-33—51 in 46 career games played (1.11 points per game).

Oilers forward Patrick Maroon scored the first regular-season goal at Rogers Place just 70 seconds after the opening face-off. Leon Draisaitl, who notched the final goal at Rexall Place on April 6 vs. VAN, collected the lone assist.

The Oilers announced that Gretzky – who hit the ice with Mark Messier before puck drop – has joined the Oilers Entertainment Group as Partner and Vice Chair. The club also unveiled his statue as part of the Oilers Hall of Fame at Rogers Place.

Final Score EDMONTON 7, Calgary 4

Other NHL News

Forty-four year-old Jaromir Jagr, who ranks third all-time in goals and points, sixth in assists and eighth in games played, will embark on his 23rd NHL season when the Panthers and Devils clash at BB&T Center. Teammate Roberto Luongo sits one win shy of tying Jacques Plante for sixth all-time and needs one shutout to move into sole possession of 11th place all-time.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
St. Louis 5, CHICAGO 2
SAN JOSE 2, Los Angeles 1

TODAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
NY Islanders @ NY Rangers, 7 p.m.
Boston @ Columbus, 7 p.m.
Montreal @ Buffalo, 7 p.m.
New Jersey @ Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina @ Winnipeg, 8 p.m.
Minnesota @ St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Washington @ Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.
Anaheim @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

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