NHL scores 2017: Centennial Classic a hit thanks to Auston Matthews

Here’s an idea to make the NHL’s outdoor games feel like less of a slog: just keep playing Auston Matthews. They’ve already set the precedent for repeating teams, so why not have the Maple Leafs around for more games?

The first 40 minutes of Sunday’s Centennial Classic were nothing to write home about, but those last 20 plus overtime should be on every NHL packaging highlight for outdoor games for years to come. Matthews, rightly, will be the star of the day. His pair of goals, including the game-winner in overtime, announced his presence to the world on a national stage.

The sports world also got treated to strong performances by other young stars. A buzzer-beater from 22-year-old Anthony Mantha capped off a two-goal game for the Red Wings’ forward. Dylan Larkin and Mitch Marner also contributed with goals for their respective teams.

On a day that kicked off a celebration of 100 years of NHL history, the hockey community got one hell of a look at its future.

It should have the wheels turning in the heads of every NHL and NBC executive. The Blackhawks may bring the money in outdoor games, but we’re overdue for new faces. How about the Oilers and Connor McDavid in a primetime game? The Jets and Patrik Laine? The Sabres and Jack Eichel?

Sunday’s Centennial Classic was just a taste of what the NHL can do outdoors away from the shadow of the Blackhawks, and boy was it fun.

Maple Leafs 5, Red Wings 4 (OT)
Ducks 4, Flyers 3 (SO)
Capitals 2, Senators 1

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1. Travis Konecny had something to prove...

A game after being benched by head coach Dave Hakstol, Travis Konecny came out as an impact player all game for the Flyers. The rookie was a difference-maker every time he touched the puck, adding a goal in a key spot in the first period.

The rookie sat as a healthy scratch for a game after his goalless drought stretched to 22. However, it took just eight minutes for Konecny to break out of his slump.

2. But so did Ryan Kesler

Ryan Kesler netted a hat trick as the sole producer of Anaheim’s regulation goals on Sunday, his first since 2011, back when he was with the Canucks.

Kesler’s three goals came on just 25 Anaheim shots all game. Meanwhile, they allowed over 50 shots to the Flyers between regulation and overtime.

3. Ottawa is coming down from its streak

While the Capitals won their game and kept above the Flyers’ pace in the Wild Card standings, the Senators lost their third game in a row after a four-game win streak. It wasn’t a good game to lose, especially because Ottawa is taking a six-day break and won’t be back in action until Jan. 7. With the margin between the Senators and the Wild Card at a mere two points, teams will likely jump over Ottawa in the midst of their break.

Mantha’s tying goal with less than two seconds to go in the Centennial Classic may have been overshadowed by Matthews, but it deserves special recognition for being an incredible buzzer-beater.