Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews opens season with 2 hat tricks

TORONTO — Auston Matthews records back-to-back hat tricks to open the season as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Minnesota Wild 7-4 on Saturday night. This impressive performance solidifies Matthews as one of the league’s top players.

Not only did Matthews score three goals, but William Nylander also contributed with two goals and an assist for Toronto. Goalie Ilya Samsonov made 28 impressive saves to secure the victory. Calle Jarnkrok and Tyler Bertuzzi also found the back of the net for the Maple Leafs, while Mitchell Marner and Morgan Rielly provided key assists throughout the game.

This remarkable feat by Matthews makes him the fifth player in NHL history to achieve back-to-back hat tricks at the start of a season, joining the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Cy Denneny, Joe Malone, and Reg Noble.

Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Matthews stated, “I want to play at the highest level that I can every night. I’m not really thinking in the past or thinking about years in the past. It’s all about today. Just trying to go out and put in my best effort and do what I can to help the team.”

Matthews’ continued success brings his career hat trick total to nine, placing him among the top five in Maple Leafs history. Additionally, he becomes the first Toronto player since Wendel Clark in 1994 to achieve consecutive hat tricks.

Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe commended Matthews’ dedication and team-oriented mindset, stating, “He’s come in refreshed and healthy. He’s had a really good offseason. I really don’t think he cares how many goals he gets, he cares about how many wins we get.”

Despite Minnesota’s efforts, with goals from Matt Boldy, Ryan Hartman, Marco Rossi, and Brandon Duhaime, they were unable to overcome Matthews’ dominance. Filip Gustavsson, who made 26 saves, was unable to stop Toronto’s relentless offense.

The game started with Minnesota taking the lead at 9:32 of the first period when Hartman scored. However, Matthews quickly shifted the momentum in favor of the Maple Leafs, scoring his first goal at 10:54. He continued to shine by scoring his second goal at 12:35 on a power play.

Nylander also made a significant impact with a sensational individual effort, scoring his second goal of the game late in the period.

Toronto’s offensive dominance continued into the second period, with Bertuzzi scoring another goal on a power play at 3:35. However, the Wild managed to narrow the gap with goals from Boldy and Rossi.

The third period showcased outstanding goaltending from Samsonov and Gustavsson, denying further scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, Jarnkrok extended Toronto’s lead at 9:54, followed by another goal by Matthews at 10:25.

Not to be outdone, Nylander added his second goal of the game and third overall at 12:14, sealing the Maple Leafs’ victory.

This memorable performance by Matthews and Nylander provides Toronto with a boost of confidence as they continue their season. With Matthews in top form, the Maple Leafs have a greater chance of success in future games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.