Auston Matthews debut sparks social media frenzy

Auston Matthews became the talk of social media when the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie became the first player in the NHL's modern era (since 1943-44) to score four goals in his debut Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators.
Matthews, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, was the No. 1 trending topic worldwide on Twitter Wednesday, drawing more than 95,000 tweets as of the second intermission of the Maple Leafs game against the Senators. NHL players were among those tweeting.

Tweet from @TomSestito23: Austin Matthews might have more career NHL goals than me before the night is over .....
Sestito has 10 career goals in 141 NHL games.

Tweet from @Joe_Colborne: Cmon @AM34 it's not supposed to be this easy...

Stepan had a hat trick in his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 2010.
The awe and admiration quickly turned to fear, however, when everyone realized they might have to face Matthews this season.
Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo volunteered his backup and former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer into the net for his team's games against Toronto. The Panthers play the Maple Leafs five times this season. The first meeting is Oct. 27 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

The Blue Jackets play the Maple Leafs three times this season with the first meeting coming on February 15, 2017.