Auston Matthews Makes NHL History; Maple Leafs Don't

Leafness abides.

This spring's first overall draft choice made a debut that was everything his billing said it would be.

Toronto, meanwhile, began the NHL season by being everything the Maple Leafs have been since 1967.

Auston Matthews struck for an amazing total of four goals against Ottawa, a haul that surpasses every legend ever to hit the ice.

And the Leafs still lost, 5-4, in overtime.

Help does seem to be on the way. That was another of their bright lights for the future -- William Nylander -- who lasered that sweet pass to Matthews on the fourth goal.

Dude's been front and center throughout his young career, from an unlikely start in Arizona to an unconventional development stop in Zürich to Team North America:

Everything about Matthews points to his ascending to hockey-godlike status.

Back in the day, in Örnsköldsvik, a young hockey player came home in tears after his first game. His team had lost, 7-6.

How may goals, his parents asked, did he score to aid the cause?

Peter Forsberg replied, "Six."

Matthews can now relate to that. It could be the first of many.