NHL Three Stars: Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid start strong

No. 1 Star: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

The first overall pick became the fourth player in NHL history to tally a hat trick in his debut game. Then he did them one better, setting an NHL record with his fourth goal of the game in the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

No. 2 Star: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Last season’s rookie sensation began his sophomore year with two goals and an assist – including the first penalty shot goal at Rogers Place – in the Oilers’ 7-4 win over the Calgary Flames.

No. 3 Star: Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

The Blues’ sniper netted two goals, the second a dagger into an empty net, as the Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-2, on opening night.

Honorable Mention: Brent Burns’ goal in the third period was the difference in the San Jose Sharks’ 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Logan Couture had a goal and an assist. … Kevin Shattenkirk and Paul Stastny had a goal and two assists in the Blues’ win. … Kris Russell had two assists and was a plus-3 in his debut for the Oilers. … Jesse Puljujarvi scored his first NHL goal. … Kyle Turris had two goals, including the overtime game-winner, while Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists in the win. He was a plus-3.

Did You Know? Former Rangers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky skated before the Edmonton game:

Dishonorable Mention: Artemi Panarin, Artem Anisimov and Patrick Kane were all a minus-2. Kane’s botch resulted in an own-goal to end the game. … Johnny Gaudreau was a minus-3. … Brian Elliott gave up six goals in his Flames debut. … Jonathan Quick left after the first period with an injury. … Pretty sure the opening ceremony commemorating the opening of Rexall Center is still going on.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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