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Ranking the 5 best moments from Matthews' first 100 NHL games

Andre Ringuette / National Hockey League / Getty

On Monday night, Auston Matthews had the distinct pleasure of facing his childhood team - the Arizona Coyotes - in the 100th game of his career.

While the 4-1 loss might not have gone as planned, it is seemingly the only thing that has gone askew in the sophomore's impeccable career to date.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar, the milestone may seem premature, but the 20-year-old has already set the league ablaze. Matthews has tallied 52 goals - the second most since he entered the league and most by a rookie since Alex Ovechkin's 52-goal rookie season in 2006 - and has become a nightly highlight reel.

His career remains in it's infancy, but with so many memorable moments to date, its worth looking at the best of Matthews so far.

5. Smashing Maple Leafs records

It might not be the prettiest goal of Matthews' young career, but with his 35th last year in a game against the Florida Panthers, Matthews broke Wendel Clark's record for most goals by a Maple Leafs rookie in a season.

It was a record that had stood for 31 years and one Matthews extended with five additional goals before the year expired. He would also break the Maple Leafs record for most points by a rookie with 69, besting the previous mark of 67.

4. Outdoor Game magic

Last January, the Maple Leafs had the honor of hosting the Centennial Classic - an outdoor game against the Detroit Red Wings.

It was the Maple Leafs' first chance to host an outdoor game and best believe it, Matthews made sure it was one to remember. After scoring on a wicked wrist shot in the third period, the game went to overtime where he once again stole the show.

Matthews hopped on a loose puck and back-handed it over the catching glove of Jared Coreau to give the Maple Leafs a 5-4 win.

3. Playoff heroics

Heading into last season, few expected the Maple Leafs to challenge for a playoff spot, let alone hold their own against the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Washington Capitals.

However, the club did just that, pushing the Capitals to six games in the first round. Once again, it was Matthews leading the way. He was a force all series, scoring four goals and five points. His tally in Game 6 is still fresh in the minds of Leafs fans.

2. The hardware to back it up

While few were surprised by the outcome, Matthews' Calder Trophy win was the bow that perfectly wrapped his incredible rookie campaign.

He finished tied for second in the league with 40 goals, paced all first-year players with 69 points, and immediately made his mark as one of the top talents in the NHL.

1. A debut like no other

It's a performance that will forever be synonymous with his name.

On Oct. 12, 2016, in his first NHL game, Matthews scored not once, not twice, not even a hat trick, but four goals, becoming the first player in NHL history to complete the feat.

Related: Sens' Anderson asked Leafs' Matthews to sign his stick from 4-goal game

For many, it was their first look at the 2016 first-overall pick, and in an instant, he put the league on notice. It's a performance that will be tough to match both for future generations and for the man himself, and still is his most remarkable achievement to date.

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