It’s only been the first week of hockey. Auston Matthews already decided to remind everyone how special he is. The superstar led the Maple Leafs to two wins on home ice. He recorded hat tricks in both games to highlight a good weekend for Toronto.

The former Hart winner looks like he’s on a mission to prove the doubters wrong. It’s an important season for the Leafs. William Nylander is in the last year of his contract. If they’re finally going to make it work with a strong core that includes Mitch Marner, Matthews, Nylander, Morgan Rielly, and John Tavares, there’s no time like the present. It’s Stanley Cup or bust.

In their two victories over the Canadiens and Wild, they scored a dozen goals. Matthews accounted for half. At 26, the former 2016 top pick already has over 300 goals. He’s up to 305 with 80 games left in the new season. A two-time Rocket Richard winner who’s hit 40 or more goals in five of seven years, the San Ramon, California native could one day set the new record for most goals by an American born player. He’s currently ranks 25th, trailing Blake Wheeler by seven goals. He’ll soon pass him and keep moving up a list that includes all-time leader Mike Modano (561) and unsigned free agent Patrick Kane (451).

For Matthews, it’s all about redemption. Although he played a big role in helping the Leafs finally advance out of the first round over the Lightning, he wasn’t good enough in the second round against the Panthers. After tallying five goals and four assists versus Tampa, he was held without a goal, and only two assists versus Florida. He wasn’t alone either. Marner had just three points while first round hero Tavares went without a goal and a single helper. Nylander had two goals and an assist in the second round.

By adding gritty forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, the Leafs should be more balanced. Each will contribute offensively while mixing it up. Speaking of that, newcomer Ryan Reaves hasn’t been shy about dropping the gloves. He has fought in both games. First, against Habs behemoth Arber Xhekaj. Then, against Wild tough guy Marcus Foligno. The energetic Reaves has provided spunk to a team that needs it.

Their next game is Monday night when Connor Bedard gets his first taste of playing in front of the passionate Leafs fanatics. So far, the Blackhawks have been competitive. The 18-year-old phenom has a goal and two assists in three games. He’s shown signs of brilliance. In a loss at Boston, Bedard easily could’ve had two or three goals instead of just the first of his career. He was dangerous during most shifts.

The slick moving center with an array of moves that include dangles and changing the shooting angle on goalies looks to be the real deal. He’s had no problem getting off his quick release. Bedard has 16 shots-on-goal to lead all rookies. His vision is superb. He’s excellent at reading the play. He knows when to shoot or pass. It won’t be long before he has a breakthrough.

If Bedard looks to be living up to the hype, we’re also keeping an eye on Coyotes freshman Logan Cooley. In his NHL debut, he recorded two assists in a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils.

Selected by the ‘Yotes third in 2022, the 19-year-old center looks like he’ll have something to say about the Calder race. After spending one year at the University of Minnesota, the former Team USA standout is being counted on by coach Andre Tourigny for top minutes. Cooley will make his MSG debut against the Rangers on Monday night.

How much fun will long-time Rangers TV voice Sam Rosen have with calling both Cooley and Blueshirt rookie Will Cuylle [Cool-ye]? He and Joe Micheletti will be sure to crack a few jokes during the broadcast. How many times will Rosen confuse the two? The over/under is five.

Rosen is in his 40th season as the play-by-play man of the Blueshirts. He started in 1984 while being mentored by legendary voice Jim Gordon. Rosen hosted in the studio starting in 1982 before replacing Gordon in the booth. After originally teaming up with Phil Esposito, who eventually took over GM duties during 1986-87, Rosen formed a dynamic duo with former Rangers goalie John Davidson. They spent two decades partnering while having great chemistry. The good-natured relationship made them a must listen for Rangers fans.

Since Davidson left MSG Network following the club’s return to the playoffs in 2005-06, Rosen has teamed with Micheletti. Astonishingly, it’s their 17th season together. With Rosen now 76, it remains to be seen how much longer he plans to call games. The recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016. He’s currently the longest tenured active broadcaster in the NHL.

It’s a pity that hockey historian Stan Fischler still hasn’t been recognized by the selection committee in Toronto. He’s been involved with hockey for over seven decades. The affable man with a keen sense of humor has been a broadcaster, author, and fixture. He’s responsible for many former interns graduating to careers in the industry. As a former intern who once worked as a statistical researcher for ESPN, I’m thankful for my time with the Maven.

A true gentleman whose stories date back to the Original Six. Even at 91, he’s still involved with the sport publishing The Fischler Report as part of The Hockey News. The dedication he’s had is what makes him a legend.

Even during tough times living with his family in Israel, he still finds a way to keep things light. If you haven’t read last week’s column, please do so. The first part really puts things in perspective. Every day we get is precious. Enjoy it.

The Battle of Hudson sends our best wishes to Fischler and the many innocent families who live in Israel and Palestine. My hope is that good will prevail over evil. Let there be peace in the Middle East.

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Derek Felix can be followed on Twitter at NewYorkPuck. His email is kovy274hart@yahoo.com.