Auston Matthews strikes fear into Roberto Luongo as NHL takes notice
Leafs rookie's performance makes jaws drop, sets Twitter on fire
Toronto Maple Leaf fans were excited after top draft pick Auston Matthews scored his first goal on opening night of the NHL's 100th anniversary season.
After netting three more goals and cementing his place in NHL history — well, that was enough to break the internet.
It seemed everyone became a Leafs fan Wednesday night.
4uston Matthews. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMLtalk?src=hash">#TMLtalk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWitness?src=hash">#StandWitness</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tf7mRIJCHj">https://t.co/Tf7mRIJCHj</a>
—@MapleLeafsAmong those taking notice of the accomplishment of the league's top draft pick were current NHL superstars, including Florida Panthers' Roberto Luongo (his Twitter handle is Strombone), who joked he'd rather have teammate James Reimer, a former Leaf, do netminding duties when playing Toronto.
I've just decided that Reims will play ALL of the games versus the leafs this year...... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Matthews?src=hash">#Matthews</a>
—@strombone1What's the big deal I scored 4 goals.....In my career. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/matthews?src=hash">#matthews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bust?src=hash">#bust</a>
—@Frazermclaren68Wow !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/AM34">@AM34</a> welcome to our beer league !!!' Lolll <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/congrats?src=hash">#congrats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/easygame?src=hash">#easygame</a>
—@Letang_58Cmon <a href="https://twitter.com/AM34">@AM34</a> it's not supposed to be this easy...
—@Joe_ColborneSince the start of this game I didnt even have a chance to drink 4beers and hes got 4goals <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Matthews?src=hash">#Matthews</a>
—@MGaborik12Some former players also took a few fun shots.
Wow 👏👏👏 Welcome to the NHL <a href="https://twitter.com/AM34">@AM34</a> ....Incredible young man! Keep it going 👍
—@TeemuSel8nneWhat a way to start a career Auston Matthews! Going to enjoy watching you <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a>
—@DougGilmour93Like the 19-year-old's game, the memes were also on fire.
Auston Matthews rn <a href="https://t.co/41lXsaf7TZ">pic.twitter.com/41lXsaf7TZ</a>
—@EvgeniMaIkinEgo<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash">#Sens</a> fans right now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustonMatthews?src=hash">#AustonMatthews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leafs?src=hash">#Leafs</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Ftb2DPXFw">pic.twitter.com/7Ftb2DPXFw</a>
—@chrishofleyAnybody? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustonMatthews?src=hash">#AustonMatthews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMLtalk?src=hash">#TMLtalk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeafsNation?src=hash">#LeafsNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/2gtZcHfWgn">pic.twitter.com/2gtZcHfWgn</a>
—@RealSportsEven though the night resulted in a 5-4 overtime loss for Toronto, Matthews and Leafs fans enjoyed a night they'll never forget.
How do you know it's real? Well, his Wikipedia page has already been updated, and it doesn't get much more official than that.
Someone already edited Auston Matthews wikipedia page 😂 <a href="https://t.co/JdrY2KUbVr">pic.twitter.com/JdrY2KUbVr</a>
—@SidneyCrosbyEgo