Auston-Matthews-morning-report

For Auston Matthews, there's no place like home. But the road has been pretty good to the Toronto Maple Leafs second-year center as well.
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, who grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, scored in the
first period of Toronto's 7-4 win against the Arizona Coyotes
at Gila River Arena on Thursday. It was the first NHL goal he's scored in Arizona and the first in three games against the team he rooted for while growing up.

It was also the 35th road goal of his NHL career; that's the most of any player in the League since he made his debut Oct. 12, 2016.

Wild, Wild, Pacific

Things are heating up in the Pacific Division, and so is a rivalry that didn't exist last season. The
Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in overtime
on David Perron's goal. But that's only half the story.

Stam, they're good

It's hard to decide which was better, Nikita Kucherov's no-look pass or
Steven Stamkos' pretty, top-shelf finish
. But it's not hard to decide that the Tampa Bay Lightning still are the best team in the NHL after a 3-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

Stopping pucks with style

NHL goalies have been showing off their personalities on their equipment for years, but
that trend is evolving with some amazing customized designs
.

Get that glove down

Boston Bruins goalie
Anton Khudobin was sure of one thing during a shootout against the Washington Capitals
on Thursday: He would not be beaten five-hole by T.J. Oshie.

Familiar face

Former New York Rangers forward
Adam Graves showed up at the NHL Centennial Fan Arena
and is just as excited for the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic as you are.

Youth movement

Rangers defenseman
Kevin Shattenkirk recalls his days as a youth hockey player
and sees the options for this generation improving.

Take it outside, kids

Canada will face the United States at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship on Friday.
The game will be played outdoors at New Era Field, home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills
, in front of an expected crowd of more than 40,000.

USA-Ouutdoors