Hockey fans tend to get their radars up about over-hyping things, particularly promising rookies.
Is it hasty, then, to wonder if there’s something to a rivalry between Auston Matthews (and the Maple Leafs) vs. Patrik Laine (plus the Jets)? If nothing else, the two have come up big in two very exciting games.
Back in October, Laine generated a hat trick as the Jets beat the Maple Leafs 5-4 in overtime. This time around, it was another 5-4 overtime decision ... only Matthews and the Maple Leafs took this round.
This isn’t to take anything away from Laine’s performance, mind you. He scored two goals on Tuesday, becoming the rare modern rookie to muster 30 goals. He reminded hockey fans that he only needs the smallest window to make you pay with his deadly, world-class shot.
MORE on that goal and the violence that ensued here.
But Matthews wouldn’t be denied, either, and fittingly did so in a quieter fashion. (Virtually everyone seems a little quieter when Laine’s around, it seems.)
The Maple Leafs’ outstanding rookie managed three assists in this game, giving him 52 points in 59 games. He also has six points in a three-game run and eight in his past five.
Auston Matthews is highest scoring teenage rookie in #Leafs history but now has up to 23 GP left to get 15 points & break a franchise record pic.twitter.com/wBG3j9f7id
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) February 22, 2017
Laine? He now has 54 points in 55 games, extending is own point streak to five games (seven goals, three assists).
Via @EliasSports: @PatrikLaine29 is the fifth rookie in the past 25 seasons to score 30 goals in 55 GP or fewer. pic.twitter.com/TKU7CZerzx
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 22, 2017
In other words, it’s really close ... just like the games when these two budding stars (and their young, promising teammates) meet.
You might even be tempted to believe the hype.