In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward, has made an extraordinary start to the 2023-24 NHL season. Matthews, known for his sharpshooting abilities, has opened the season with back-to-back hat tricks, a feat that has only been achieved by five players in NHL history, and only once since 1917-18.
Per @PR_NHL: Auston Matthews is one of only five players in NHL history to record a hat trick in each of their first two games to start the season, joining Alex Ovechkin (2017-18), Cy Denneny (1917-18), Joe Malone (1917-18) and Reg Noble (1917-18).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 15, 2023
Matthews’ performance has been nothing short of spectacular. His second hat trick came in a 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild, where he scored three goals, demonstrating his ability to score in a variety of ways and from all over the ice. This achievement has placed him in the elite company of players like Alex Ovechkin, who accomplished the same feat in the 2017-18 season.
Despite his impressive start, Matthews remains humble and focused on the team’s success. After the game, he downplayed his accomplishment, stating, “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’ performance is not only a testament to his talent but also to his resilience. Last season, he battled through a series of injuries but still managed to score 85 points in 74 games. Now fully healthy, Matthews is once again demonstrating why he is considered one of the best players in the NHL.
But Matthews’ story is not just about his on-ice achievements. Born to a Mexican mother, Matthews is proud of his Mexican heritage. After his second hat trick, Matthews gave his signed stick to a young fan dressed in a sombrero, acknowledging his Mexican roots.
💚🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/TmeTLEEk7k
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 15, 2023
Matthews, who was born in California, has fond memories of visiting his mother’s hometown of Hermosillo, Mexico, and has expressed his desire to inspire more kids from Mexico to get into hockey.
Matthews’ historic start to the season and his pride in his Mexican heritage make him a unique figure in the NHL. As he continues to break records and inspire fans, Matthews is not just making history; he’s shaping the future of the sport.
